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Do you know the significance of kites and Til Gud on Makar Sankranti?

Every year, on January 14, the country comes together to celebrate Makar Sankranti, also known as Pongal, Lohri and Bihu in many parts of India. But do you know why people love flying kites and having 'til gud' sweets? Well, here are the scientific reasons.

Do you know the significance of kites and Til Gud on Makar Sankranti?
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Every year, the month of January brings a special festival for Hindus, where, on the 14th of the month, many across the country come together to celebrate Makar Sankranti, also known as Pongal, Bihu, etc. in different parts of the country. Makar Sankranti is popular for sesame sweets and kites, as this auspicious day marks the arrival of spring in India.

As per the Hindu Calendar, the festival is known to bring happiness of getting new crops for farmers, signifying the end of winter, making the day last longer than night. It is said that the day is also good for all of us, as it is meant to be healthy in multiple ways. Keeping the benefits aside, the country witnesses a lot of fun, today, as the skies in Maharashtra and Gujarat are filled with kites, and down south in the country, the roads are filled with Rangoli and traditional food is made, marking the first harvest of the year.
Not many of us know the significance of kites today. Well, for all those who don’t, here it is…

The tradition of flying kites is considered to be healthy, as one gets exposed to the sun, early in the morning. It is said that during winter the body is prone to infection and gets dry due to the conditions. Hence, the initial rays become a necessary source of Vitamin D and medication, thereby helping in keeping the skin healthy and fights infections and sickness.

But Makar Sankranti is incomplete without ‘Til Gud’ (sesame seeds and jaggery ) – 2 ingredients which are mixed together to make sweets. Scientifically, sesame seeds are known to provide the oil our body needs and also help in keeping the body warm. The word ‘Til Gud’ originated from Maharashtra, where people go by the tradition of wishing everyone by saying, "Til gud ghya ani goad goad bola" which suggests people to be as sweet with words, just like the ingredients, signifying a bond to spread sweetness.

So this Makar Sankranti, make sure you fly kites and spread sweetness by distributing and eating Til Gud.

Mumbai Live wishes you the best this festival.

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