5 Reasons To Celebrate Makar Sankranti In Jaipur - 2019

Jaipur, the Pink City, is known for its old-world charm and its rich art and architecture. Several festivals are celebrated in the city with pomp and show; some of which are Teej, the Elephant Festival, and the International Kite Festival. Other important events are Jaipur Jewellery Show and Jaipur LitFest.

Among Indian festivals, an important one is Makar Sankranti. This traditional festival is celebrated to welcome the winter harvest each year. It is celebrated across the country in many states. In Jaipur too, the festival is celebrated with much zeal.

Here are some unique ways in which Sankranti is celebrated in Jaipur:

1. Early Morning Rituals On Sankranti

The festival begins at the crack of dawn with devotees visiting the Gattaji Temple for a holy dip in the beautiful natural springs, also called kunds. It is believed that by doing this on Makar Sankranti, one is cleansed of all their sins. Thereafter, people feed cows with hay or grass, as the animal is considered holy

2. Family, Food, Festivities

The day is filled with joy. People visit each other. The women, in particular, invite each other for elaborate feasts that include traditional savouries. Music is played to liven up the celebrations. Dal Bati Churma, Gajak, Pakodi and Pheni, and Rewari are some sweet dishes made in every home. Laddoos made by combining til (sesame) with jaggery are another favourite. Til is considered nourishing to eat during winter as it provides protection and nutrition to the body to withstand cold temperatures.

3. Kite Flying Festival

Jaipur hosts a famous kite festival during Makar Sankranti that draws tourists and kite-flying enthusiasts from all over India and abroad. Expert kite-flyers use a thread known as manja for their kites. These are different from the usual ones used by amateurs. Kite fights can involve accidents, so it is advisable for children to fly kites only under adult supervision.

4. Colourful Marketplaces

Kite flying is not a standalone activity. Umpteen businesses pop up during the season in the marketplaces of Handipura and Kishanpol Bazaar. These markets come alive with the vibrant colours of kites and associated paraphernalia during Makar Sankranti.

5. The Evening Skies

In the evenings during Makar Sankranti, everybody in Jaipur makes a beeline for the terrace. The evening skies are not just enveloped in myriad colours; a large number of lamps are set free into the sky. As darkness falls, the glowing lamps are a sight to behold. This marks the completion of a day of celebration. Fireworks reminiscent of Diwali usually follow.

With such exciting activities to take part in, a family vacation in Jaipur is highly recommended. Children get to experience colourful Indian culture, first-hand. As for accommodation during your holiday, the Club Mahindra affiliate, Jaipur resort is an ideal choice. There is ample information available online about the facilities; do check out the Club Mahindra reviews online.

Spacious rooms with supremely elegant decor create a visually stimulating environment throughout your stay. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine is served by world-class chefs at the in-house restaurant. All modern amenities are available at the resort, making your holiday a rich cultural experience and a truly memorable occasion! Read through these Club Mahindra reviews & get a sneak peek of what members have to say about this resort in Jaipur, Rajasthan.