Harvest Festivals | 16 Jan 2024

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has greeted people across the nation on the occasion of Harvest Festivals Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Bhogi, Magh Bihu and Pongal.

  • Along with these festivals Rooster Fights are organized in some parts of Andhra Pradesh.

What are the Harvest Festivals in India?

  • Makar Sankranti:
    • Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path.
    • The day marks the onset of summer and the six months auspicious period for Hindus known as Uttarayan – the northward movement of the sun.
      • As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan', the Gujarat government has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989.
    • The festivities associated with the day is known by different names in different parts of the country:
      • Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs,
      • Sukarat in central India,
      • Bhogali Bihu by Assamese Hindus, and
      • Pongal by Tamil and other South Indian Hindus.
  • Bihu:
    • It is celebrated when the annual harvest takes place in Assam. People celebrate Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu to mark the beginning of the Assamese new year.
    • It is believed that the festival started from the time when people of the valley started tilling the land.
  • Pongal:
    • The word Pongal means ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over’.
    • Also known as Thai Pongal, the four-day occasion is observed in the month of Thai, when crops such as rice are harvested and people show their gratitude to the almighty and the generosity of the land.
    • Tamilians celebrate the occasion by making traditional designs known as kolams in their homes with rice powder.

What is a Rooster Fight?

  • About:
    • A rooster fight, also known as "Kodi Pandalu" in local parlance, involves specially bred and trained birds with sharp leg blades in a small arena, where they fight until one is killed or critically injured. Betting on these fights is common, resulting in significant sums changing hands.
  • Laws Related to Rooster Fights:
    • Rooster Fights are banned under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. It includes provisions that prohibit the organization and participation in animal fights.
    • Additionally, the Supreme Court of India has issued rulings banning the use of animals for entertainment purposes, including in events like rooster fights.