These are harvest festivals celebrated in diverse forms across the various regions of India.
What are the Harvest Festivals in India?
About: They are celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season across India under various names e.g., Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, etc.
Astronomical Significance: It marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac sign and the start of the Sun's northward journey (Uttarayan).
It represents the shift from winter to warmer months, symbolizing the end of inactivity.
Unlike festivals based on the lunar cycle, it follows the solar cycle, resulting in a fixed date of 14th January.
Cultural Significance: Sankranti rituals, including bathing, offering Naivedhya (food) to Lord Surya, giving charity, performing Shraddha, and breaking fast, are performed during the day.
Devotees often bathe in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.
Regional Celebrations:
Tamil Nadu (Pongal): The four-day festival marks the rice harvest, with Tamilians decorating their homes with traditional kolams made from rice powder.
Karnataka: Locals have a tradition of sharing sesame and jaggery mixture symbolising harmony and goodwill.
Farming communities dress their cattle in colorful costumes and jewels, making them jump over a fire pit in a display called ‘Kicchu Haisodu’.
Punjab (Lohri): Lohri involves bonfires, folk songs, and offerings like groundnuts and popcorn to the fire.
Bihar: A festival called ‘Khichdi’ is celebrated and a dish of the same name (rice and lentils) is prepared. Sesame and jaggery ladoos or chikkis are distributed.
Rajasthan and Gujarat: Celebrated with kite-flying competitions and festivals, including the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
In the evening, sky lanterns light up the skies.
Assam (Magh Bihu): Magh Bihu in Assam celebrates the annual harvest and marks the beginning of the Assamese new year.
