Festival of Uttarayan: Kite Flying, Joy, and Sun's Journey

Festival	Description	Significance	Celebration	Relation to Sankranti
Uttarayan	Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti in some parts of India, is a festival that marks the sun's northward journey in the sky. The term "Uttarayan" is derived from two Sanskrit words "uttara" (North) and "ayan" (movement towards). It signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.	The festival is significant as it is considered a time of enlightenment, peace, prosperity, and happiness. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), which heralds a change in the season and is believed to bring a positive transformation in life.	Uttarayan is celebrated with kite flying, especially in the state of Gujarat. People take to their rooftops to fly kites of various colors and sizes. It's a time for socializing with friends and family, enjoying special dishes like undhiyu and chikkis, and participating in kite flying competitions.	Uttarayan is essentially the same as Makar Sankranti but is more popularly known by this name in Gujarat. It is the day when the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of India, marking the same astronomical event.
Makar Sankranti	Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian solar festival known by various names across the country. Celebrated in the month of January, it is dedicated to the deity Surya (sun) and marks the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn).	The festival is significant for its spiritual and seasonal importance. It is a harvest festival and is considered an auspicious day for Hindus. Makar Sankranti is associated with charity, and it is customary to give donations and help the needy on this day.	Celebrations vary across regions but commonly include taking holy dips in rivers, flying kites, bonfires, feasts, and fairs. Special sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, like tilgul or til laddoo, are distributed as symbols of goodwill.	Makar Sankranti is the festival that Uttarayan celebrates. While the name and customs may differ regionally, the astronomical and seasonal significance remains the same, marking the sun's transition into Makara and the start of longer days.