Amit Shah flies kite, celebrates Makar Sankranti in Ahmedabad with Gujarat CM

Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday celebrated Makar Sankranti with the residents of Shantiniketan Society in the Memnagar area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The society was decorated with colorful kites and rangoli, setting a lively atmosphere for the festival. Shah, accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, was warmly welcomed by the locals, including women and children.

The celebration was further enriched by the sounds of traditional 'dhol nagara' and cultural dances. Shah also joined the residents in flying kites from the rooftop, embracing the joyous occasion.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel celebrate Makar Sankranti in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/NSZiLAkn5T

— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

Shah and CM Patel shared their Makar Sankranti greetings with the public.

‘मकर संक्रांति’ भारतीय संस्कृति और परंपरा के प्रति अटूट आस्था का पर्व है। देशवासियों को ऊर्जा, उमंग और उन्नति के इस पावन पर्व की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। pic.twitter.com/NLooMkEIGC

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 14, 2025

Shah expressed on X, "Makar Sankranti is a festival of unwavering faith in Indian culture and tradition. Heartiest greetings to the countrymen on this holy festival of energy, enthusiasm, and progress."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his warm wishes.

सभी देशवासियों को मकर संक्रांति की अनेकानेक शुभकामनाएं। उत्तरायण सूर्य को समर्पित यह पावन उत्सव आप सबके जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करे।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2025

"Many best wishes to all countrymen on Makar Sankranti. May this holy festival dedicated to the Uttarayan Sun bring new energy and enthusiasm into your life" he said.

The celebration of Makar Sankranti is happening nationwide on Tuesday, with people marking the Sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, signifying the start of Uttarayan.

On this day, it is believed that taking a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna cleanses sins and brings spiritual merit. The day is dedicated to acts of charity and devotion, and traditional dishes like sesame-jaggery laddus and khichdi are enjoyed. Kite flying, symbolizing energy and joy, is a key tradition during this festival.

In Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 also coincided with Makar Sankranti. Sadhus from the Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary of Urban Development Amrit Abhijat reported that nearly twenty million devotees participated in the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Maha Kumbh on this auspicious day.