For the kite-flying festival, see Makar Sankranti

Uttarāyana (उत्तरायण) is the six month period between Makar Sankranti (January 14) and Karka Sankranti (July 14) when the Sun travels towards north on the celestial sphere. The period from July 14 to January 14 is known is Dakshināyana (दक्षिणायण).

Makar Sankranti

Uttarayan, also known as Makarsakranti, is a kite-flying festival celebrated annually on January 14 in western India; it is a public holiday in Gujarat and Rajasthan. According to the Indian astronomy, Uttrayan is the day when the Sun moves to the northern hemisphere ("Uttar" means north, and "-ayan" means to go). This day also is celebrated as Pongal in southern India.

The kites used are prepared from thin paper and crafted carefully using bamboo sticks. Kite-making businesses usually employ Muslims, who are known for their kite-making ability. The thread used to make kites airborne is specially prepared using "lugdi" and cotton thread, coated with a mix of adhesive and fine glass powder that is dried over time. Thread prepared in cities of Surat and Bareli is famous for its durability.

In the state of Gujarat, kite flying is considered an art. Kite fighting

Traditionally menfolk do the flying and women hold the "Firki" meaing the spool of thread by standing behind the man. They also tie the thread on the kites and keep them ready for the man for unending kiteflying session where the sky has turned into a battlefield and neighbours are enenies.

Traditionally, undhiyu (a mix of vegetables and green beans) and puri are served on the festival. Other traditional snacks include chikki (a sweet peanut bar) and fruits like Bor and Jaamfal.

Once the sun sets, people watch can watch lanterns called Tukkal, flying. The day's winning kite is flown as Chinese lanterns are tied with thread. Today, celebrators also enjoy loud music and firecrackers in the everning.

The government of Gujarat has attempted to attract foreign tourists on the occasion by organizing a world kite flying festival.