We All Depend Immensely On The Lord Sun, Says Amit Shah On Makar Sankranti

HM Amit Shah extended his greetings to all citizens, particularly farmers, on Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals observed across India.

“I want to congratulate the countrymen, especially our farmers, on the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan. Uttarayan is celebrated under different names in different parts of the country. It is an important festival because we all depend immensely on the Lord Sun,” he said.

He explained that Makar Sankranti occurs when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. He added that the festival also marks the beginning of the agricultural year for farmers.

“In many parts of the country, this day is also known as ‘Khichdi Utsav’. It is primarily a festival of farmers. From this day, farmers begin their New Year, marking a new agricultural cycle,” HM Shah added.

HM Shah appreciated the Delhi government and DDA for organising the third edition of the International Kite Festival.

“The beginning that has been made should be taken forward in a way that makes the Kite Festival more accessible to the public. This festival has the potential to connect people from all over the country to Delhi and, in the future, become a nationwide celebration,” he mentioned.

“Delhi’s Kite Festival should become the centre of kite festivals across the country,” HM Shah added.

The Home Minister praised the festival venue, Baansera, for transforming a vision into a tangible public space. He added that it now attracts citizens for recreation and leisure activities.

“Baansera is a demonstration of how strong resolve can turn an idea into a beautiful, tangible space. Today, it has become a very attractive place for the people of Delhi. The Delhi government has ensured proper arrangements to encourage more visitors and greater public use of this natural site,” he further noted.

Quoting the poet Kalidas, HM Shah observed that Indians have always celebrated festivals in every season. He noted that kites historically played a role in India’s freedom struggle. They carried protest messages during the Simon Commission movement, demonstrating unity and resistance.

HM Shah said that people celebrate Makar Sankranti as Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. He added that the festival exemplifies ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

Shah expressed hope that the Kite Festival would grow in popularity nationally and internationally.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the festival reconnects Delhi residents with cultural traditions.

“While the kite festival is new to Delhi in this format, every child in the city has grown up flying kites from streets, rooftops, or terraces. This festival revives and preserves those cherished memories. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for this event,” she further mentioned.

“Kite flying is one of India’s oldest traditions and a unique form of art associated with seasonal festivals. This festival marks the Uttarayan of the Sun, and in our country, the sun rises first in the eastern regions,” Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said.

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