Uttarayan

Uttarayan is observed one day after Lohri celebrations and on the same day as Makar Sankranti. While Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan festivities, is usually commemorated on January 14, this year it is being observed on January 15. 

The Sanskrit terms "uttaram" (north) and "ayanam" (movement) are the source of the term Uttarayana, also known as Uttarayanam, which refers to the northward movement of the Sun. In the Gregorian calendar, this means "the actual movement of the sun in relation to the earth". Also known as the six-month period between the winter and summer solstices (roughly 20 December - 20 January). The harvest festival, Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is one of the most anticipated occasions in Gujarat. Activities include flying kites, making sweets and indulging in delicious khichdi. The Uttarayan festival is much more than just worship and sweets, as Gujaratis look forward to shouting "Kai Po Che" to the kites flying in the sky.