Uttarayan is referred to as the day of new good healthy wealthy beginning.
According to Kauravas and Pandavas, in Mahabharata on this day Bheeshma Pitamaha, chose to leave for his heavenly abode. As per a boon granted to Devavratha (Bheeshma), he could choose his time of death and he chose this day, when the sun starts on its course towards the northern hemisphere.
In Gujarat, Uttarayan is a holiday falling on 14th Jan when every Gujarati can be found on rooftops flying kits. People of all ages fly kites from early morning to late evenings at times even at night which they call “tukkal”. Crowded rooftops, loud music, fun-loving rivalry to cut each others kite with skills and delicious traditional Gujarati snacks are the hallmarks of the day.
