India, well known for its rich culture and diversity celebrates the harvest festival with joy and enthusiasm in January. The country is deeply rooted in agriculture and weaves the different cultures together through its harvest season.
Let us dive in below to find out how different cultures in India celebrate the harvest festival –
- Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with great delight on the 14th or 15th of January depending on the solar calendar. The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makar), hence the name “Makar Sankranti”. People fly kites, symbolizing the end of winter days and welcoming warm days. They also prepare sweets with sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts and rice to create a blend of delicious treats.
- Pongal
Pongal is a four-day grand harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, which begins from 14th to 17th January. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and the farmers express their gratitude by preparing a special sweet dish called “Pongal” – rice pudding with the harvested crops. The festivities also include colourful rangoli designs and traditional music and dance.
- Bihu
In the northeastern state of India, Bihu is celebrated for three days in mid-January. The festival is dedicated to the deity of fertility also known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. The main highlight of this festival is the temporary construction of Meji, a structure made of bamboo and thatch, which is set ablaze to mark the end of the harvest season.
- Lohri
Punjab welcomes Lohri, the vibrant harvest festival on 13th January. Bonfires are lit and traditional dances like Bhangra and Giddha are performed by the people adorning bright outfits to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season. Sweets like rewri, gajak and sesame seeds are also exchanged among friends and family.
- Uttarayan
Gujarat’s idea of celebrating the harvest festival is unlike the other regions, they take it too seriously and on a grander level by organizing the International Kite Festival. The event takes place on the 14th of January and the sky is full of bright colour kites as people participate in the friendly competition. Sweet treats like undhiyu and chikki are made from sesame seeds and jaggery to mark the harvest season.
From the bonfire to the kite flying festival, India portrays its distinct culture during the harvest season. As the country rejoices in the abundance of the harvest, these celebrations stand testament to the deep-rooted connection between the people and the land they cultivate, fostering a sense of unity and shared prosperity.
