Harvest Festivals | 20 Jan 2024

Why in News?

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

Key Points

• 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.