![]() So, it is customary to cut the kites from the air. The goal of the day is to have the last kite flying. Then…it was cut from the sky in an instant. Check out Pink Pangea’s Writing, Yoga, and Meditation Retreats. I thought this would be easy, but I quickly realized that the people who had the highest kites (more than 100 yards in the air!) had been doing this for years! My kite never got as high as those who have lived here and had practiced for lifetimes, but with much help my kite was soaring high in the sky. After the kite was correctly constructed, it was time to learn how to make it soar. The first task of the day was to learn how to tie the string properly to the kites! There is definitely a science to this, and I had to try several times before I got the right measurements and angles and number of knots. His home was surrounded by lush green trees, playful monkeys, and stunning outdoor spaces to enjoy amongst new and old friends. The volunteers were invited to the founder of Manav Sadhna’s private home for a day-long celebration. This holy day was all about relaxing, flying kites, and spending time with friends and family. I have been volunteering at a leprosy colony in Ahmedabad, India, and today a festive spirit filled the entire country of India. and headed to a rooftop about 10 minutes away. We climbed into a rickshaw around 10:30 a.m. Uttarayana is also the daytime of the Devas and therefore auspicious activities take place during this period. Symbolically, the sun slowly removes darkness and ushers in the light of knowledge. ![]() From this day, the harshness of winter subsides and the days get longer. The six-month long Uttarayana begins on the Makar Sankrant day. The sun is greeted with a chant called the Gayatri Mantra. People pray for a plentiful harvest day, and cows are bathed and worshiped. For the next six months, the day will be longer and warmer. Great importance is given to the sun, and this day signals the beginning of spring and the end of winter. In essence, this festival is associated with nature and harvest. Many people make it a priority to visit their sons and to bring them gifts. It is a day of forgiveness and starting afresh. On this day, it is believed that Lord Shani, Lord Surya’s son, is visited by his father and that their differences are put aside. Makar Sankranti is a massive celebration of Surya, the Sun God. I am slightly sunburned and rather parched, but I had a beautiful day with the locals celebrating the Hindu Kite Festival, also known as Makar Sankranti. I’ve just returned from flying kites for the past six hours.
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