CHINO HILLS, CA: A sunny sky, warm weather, and cool breeze set the perfect atmosphere for El Prado Regional Park, where hundreds of kites soared above families celebrating Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival that is commemorated for the northward shift of the sun from Capricorn to Sagittarius, resulting in longer and warmer days in South Asia.
Families gathered at the park on Saturday, January 15 to celebrate Uttarayan, the ‘Festival of Kites’ in conjunction with Makar Sankranti, as a rainbow of kites dispersed across the sky. The ambiance radiated with the laughter and happiness of children and adults alike, as parents relived memories of their childhood experiences of flying kites with their children.
“One of the best parts of the festivities is that the whole family comes together to take part in flying kites – from the elderly to the young. It’s a great opportunity to pass down values and exchange ideas across generations”, spoke Amruta Patel of the event.
“This was a great family event for all,” said Nehal, who recently moved to Chino Hills from India, “To see such an environment of Uttarayan in America brings back childhood memories.”
Traditionally, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14, a day when devotees visit their local mandir with offerings for God. On this auspicious day, devotees fill an alms carrier, known as a jodi, with grains. Throughout BAPS mandirs across the country, this tradition is celebrated with the same significance, but with a special addition.
“For Makar Sankrati we are going to fill Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s jodi with a different kind of offering,” said 16 year-old Anita Rana with a smile, “Together with my offering of alms, my friends and I will offer promises to help us spiritually progress.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspires devotees around the world to improve their communities by improving themselves.
As a symbol of inspiration, his work through BAPS preserves tradition and value for Hindus everywhere. While he travels through India, BAPS mandirs hang a jodi in his honor for devotees to place their promises in, adding to the festivities and serving as a spiritual resolution for the new season.
India Post News Service
