In a unique celebration, Union Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in kite-flying festivities in Ahmedabad with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The locals of Shantiniketan Society welcomed the prominent leaders and decorated the area with colorful kites and rangolis. They were joined by hundreds of people on nearby rooftops and terraces to catch a glimpse of the Home Minister. Known by different names across India, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of longer days and is celebrated with great enthusiasm, making it a festival of unwavering faith in Indian culture and tradition.
Makar Sankranti: A Festival of Transitions and Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious festival celebrated across India, marking the transition from winter to spring. Originating from ancient Hindu traditions, the festival holds immense cultural and religious significance.
Origins and Significance
Makar Sankranti derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Makar" (Capricorn) and "Sankranti" (transition). It coincides with the Sun's entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signaling the end of the dark period and the beginning of longer days.
The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of life. It is believed that taking a holy dip in rivers or lakes on this day washes away sins and brings good fortune.
Current Celebrations
This year, Makar Sankranti was celebrated with great fervor across the country. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in kite-flying festivities with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. Locals adorned the area with colorful kites and rangolis, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Elsewhere in India, people celebrated Makar Sankranti with traditional rituals, such as feasts, bonfires, and prayers. In Punjab, the festival is known as Lohri and is marked by bonfire celebrations and traditional songs. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal and is celebrated with the preparation of sweet rice dishes and the worship of the Sun God.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
What is the significance of kite flying on Makar Sankranti? Answer: Kite flying symbolizes the cutting of negative energies and welcoming positive vibes.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated on different dates each year? Answer: The date of Makar Sankranti varies slightly from year to year due to the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth.
What are some traditional foods eaten during Makar Sankranti? Answer: Til laddoos (sweet sesame balls), khichdi, and gajak are popular delicacies.
Is Makar Sankranti a national holiday in India? Answer: Yes, it is a national holiday in India and is celebrated with great fanfare.
What is the cultural importance of Makar Sankranti? Answer: Makar Sankranti is a festival that showcases the rich diversity of Indian culture, bringing people together to celebrate their shared traditions.
American actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter confirmed that Kilmer had been battling pneumonia and had previously overcome throat cancer. Kilmer's portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun and his performance as Batman in Batman Forever will always be remembered by his fans.
Val Kilmer, the beloved actor best known for his roles in popular movies of the 80s and 90s, has passed away at the age of 65 after battling with pneumonia. Throughout his career, he appeared in iconic films such as Top Gun, where he played fighter pilot Iceman, and Batman Forever, where he portrayed the caped crusader's arch-nemesis. Despite health challenges affecting his voice and limiting his acting opportunities, Kilmer returned to the big screen in 2022 for the highly anticipated sequel to Top Gun. His passing has been met with an outpouring of love and nostalgia from fellow actors and fans alike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to greet the nation on the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess. In addition to his warm wishes, PM Modi shared a devotional song titled 'Amba Stavam by 9 Ambas', sung by nine girls, and dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also joined in the celebrations, posting Sanskrit shlokas and prayers on his own social media handle.
After a battle with throat cancer, Val Kilmer makes a triumphant return to the big screen in the highly anticipated Top Gun sequel. Thanks to the use of AI, Kilmer's iconic voice was brought back to life, adding an emotional layer to his reprisal of the role of Iceman. Tom Cruise, who pushed for Kilmer's return, became emotional while filming their scene together and praised the actor's powerful performance. Despite his health struggles, Kilmer's return to the film was a testament to his enduring talent and the strong bond between him and Cruise.
Upasna Singh, known for her role as Pinky bua on The Kapil Sharma Show, has filed a civil lawsuit against Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu for not fulfilling an agreement to promote a Punjabi movie produced by her. Singh claims that Sandhu, who starred in her play "Bai ji Kuttange," was contractually obligated to participate in the film's marketing but has refused to do so. Sandhu has yet to respond to the accusations. Singh also revealed that the film's release had to be postponed due to these issues.
Hollywood legend Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a diverse and impactful career spanning four decades. Known for his iconic roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, Kilmer's final film role was a reprisal of his character Iceman in the highly anticipated sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Despite personal battles with cancer and challenging relationships in the industry, Kilmer's talent and versatility shone through in his performances, and his legacy will continue to live on through his many contributions to the world of entertainment.
Hollywood was in shock on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as the charismatic Val Kilmer breathed his last. Kilmer, who had captured hearts and minds with his mesmerizing performances in films like Batman Forever, Top Gun and Tombstone, had been battling pneumonia before his untimely demise. The legendary actor's daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news to The New York Times. Let's honor and celebrate the life of this incredible personality who has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
Steph Curry dazzled fans and stunned the Grizzlies with a record-breaking performance on Tuesday, leading the Warriors to a critical victory and solidifying their spot in the Western Conference standings. Despite facing intense defensive pressure, Curry scored an unfathomable 52 points, including 12 three-pointers. Coach Steve Kerr praised the 37-year-old's incredible performance, while the Grizzlies were left scrambling for a new game plan to contain Curry in future matchups.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of the iconic actor Val Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles due to pneumonia. His daughter confirmed the news and also revealed that he had been battling throat cancer since 2014. Despite his health struggles, Val continued to work and even released a 2021 documentary about his life titled Val. Fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to the talented actor on social media, remembering him as a "movie icon" and "eccentric original".
After months of speculation and anticipation, the much-anticipated title and release date for the upcoming Spider-Man film, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, has finally been announced at CinemaCon by director Destin Daniel Cretton. Titled ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, the fourth installment of the beloved franchise is set to hit theaters on July 31, 2026. Even though Tom Holland couldn’t attend the event due to his filming commitments, he expressed his excitement through a video message, leaving fans even more thrilled after the massive cliff hanger from the previous film. Social media has been buzzing with reactions from fans all over.