All Blogs · Theology Thursday ·Jan 07, 2021

The Story Behind Uttarayan

DISCLAIMER: There are many holidays being celebrated this week including Lohri, Pongal and Magh Bihu in different parts of India. I don't mean to minimize their importance by highlighting one holiday over the others. I'm simply speaking from my personal experience, as a Gujarati, in what I grew up celebrating.

Once upon a time, there was an evil monster named Sankarasur who used to torture and kill people on Earth.

For no reason at all!

So Goddess Sankranti came down to Earth to take care of business.
Some legends claim Makar Sankranti is in celebration of this monster's downfall, but to be honest, details around this story are pretty scant so this is all I got for you. Sorry!

FUN FACT #1: January 14th is also two very special people's birthday: my brother and co-founder, Viral's and his daughter, Aadhya's!

FUN FACT #2: Uttarayan is one of the few Indian festivals celebrated on a fixed calender day of the solar calendar. All other Indian festivals are celebrated as per the lunar calendar.

FUN FACT #3: The tradition of kite flying is actually rooted in science! After hibernating all winter long, it's an healthy excuse to get out for some Vitamin D.

FUN FACT #4: There's also a scientific reason why we eat Tilgul Ladoos made of sesame seeds. Apparently these seeds help keep the body warm and provide good amount of oil that is essential to provide moisture during winter.

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