As colorful kites adorn the skies during Makar Sankranti, Gujarat introduces ‘Poshan Udaan 2026’, a campaign focusing on nutrition and health. Led by Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Manisha Vakil, the initiative aims to raise awareness about balanced diets, hygiene, and overall well-being, especially among children, adolescent girls, and mothers.
The campaign, organized by the Department of Women and Child Development on January 12–13, utilizes the festive spirit of the kite festival to emphasize the significance of dietary diversity and the reduction of junk food consumption. It also addresses issues like anaemia prevention among adolescents, sanitation, and access to safe drinking water.
‘Poshan Udaan 2026’ involves various activities at state, zonal, district, project, and Anganwadi levels under ICDS. These activities include kite-making competitions with a nutrition theme, slogan-writing contests, quizzes, and sports for adolescent girls. Additionally, there are demonstrations of nutritious winter recipes, awareness sessions on the benefits of “drumstick” as a superfood, and displays of millet-based dishes as part of the Shree Anna campaign.
The program also features health-focused interventions such as haemoglobin testing, distribution of IFA tablets, BMI check-ups, and personalized nutrition counseling for mothers and children. Beneficiaries at Anganwadi centers receive colorful kites, manjha strings, and traditional nutritious foods like chikki made from coarse grains, peanuts, sesame, and mamra.
On Makar Sankranti, these kites, carrying messages about nutrition and health, will serve as a symbolic call for public awareness across Gujarat’s skies. The state government urges citizens to avoid unsafe Chinese manjha and follow safety guidelines during kite flying to ensure a safe celebration.
With ‘Poshan Udaan 2026’, Gujarat aims to not only celebrate Makar Sankranti with joy and vibrancy but also to foster a healthier and more informed society.
