peso 888 Lohri, Makar Sankranti & Pongal: How India Celebrates Harvest Festivals

Lohri, Makar Sankranti & Pongal: How India Celebrates Harvest Festivals Lohri, Makar Sankranti & Pongal: How India Celebrates Harvest Festivals

India is a land of festivals, and January marks the beginning of festivities every year. Harvest season begins around the country, with different names depending on where it is celebrated. Among the many festivals that mark the Indian calendar, harvest festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal hold a special place. In Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana, it is famously known as Makara Sankranti and Poush Sankranti. In central India, the same festival is termed Sukrat, and in Assam, it is called Bihu, and in Eastern Uttar Pradesh it is called Khichdi. These festivals, celebrated in different regions with unique customs and names, are deeply rooted in gratitude for bountiful harvests and symbolize prosperity, unity, and joy. Let’s explore the traditions and significance of these iconic celebrations.

How India celebrates the harvest festival and its significanceLohri

Lohri, the harvest festival celebrated on January 13, is the most popular in northern India. People sing and dance around the bonfire as they honour the Sun God. Traditional meals enjoyed on this occasion include Makki ki Roti, Sarson ka Saag, Pinni, Gur Gajak, Dahi Bhalle, and Halwa. Lohri holds a significant place in the hearts of Sikh people. Predominantly celebrated in Punjab and parts of northern India, Lohri heralds the harvesting of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane. The festival is also associated with the end of the coldest days of winter and is a time to thank nature for its abundance of crops. Lohri holds cultural and religious significance, symbolizing prosperity, warmth, and the triumph of good over evil.

Rituals and tradition:

Bonfire Celebrations: Bonfire burning is the central attraction of Lohri. The families, neighbours, and communities come together and gather around the bonfire and offer items like sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts to the fire as a mark of gratitude.

Traditional Songs and Dance: Folk songs and vibrant dances like Bhangra and Gidda bring energy and excitement to the festivities.

Special Delicacies: Lohri is incomplete with delectable Punjabi cuisines like Makki di roti (cornbread) and sarson da saag (mustard greens) along with sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery.

Reverence for Newborns and Brides: Lohri is considered especially auspicious for families celebrating the birth of a child or the first Lohri of a newlywed couple.

Makar Sankranti

After Lohri, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14 with great enthusiasm and fervor across India. The festival marks the sun's transit into Capricorn, which is followed by warmer and longer days. This day marks the conclusion of a harsh cold spell. Uttarayan lasts for around six months. Sankranti means movement of the sun, and Makar Sankranti is the most important of the 12 Sankranti that occur each year. Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, with diverse customs, rituals, and names in different regions. It is a time for joy, abundance, and spiritual renewal, often marked by kite flying, bonfires, feasts, and charitable acts.

Rituals and tradition

Kite Flying: In Gujarat and other parts of India, kite flying is a major highlight during Makar Sankranti, symbolizing freedom and joy.

Holy Dips: Devotees take dips in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings.

Special Foods: Sesame and jaggery sweets, such as tilkut and chikki, are integral to the celebrations. Sharing these sweets conveys the message of warmth and goodwill. Also in some states, people enjoy Khichdi to seek blessings for a good harvest season ahead.

Regional Names and Celebrations: The festival Makar Sankranti is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Magh Bihu in Assam; the festival’s customs vary widely but retain the essence of gratitude and celebration.

Pongal

Another vibrant harvest festival is Pongal, which is celebrated on January 14 in South India. It is a four-day festival celebrated in January when rice, turmeric, and sugarcane are harvested. People pray for happiness and success for everyone and make Kolam, a geometrical variant of rangoli, to beautify their houses. It’s a time to express gratitude to the Sun God, Surya, for a bountiful harvest. During Pongal, families cook a sweet rice dish called ‘Pongal’ in earthen pots, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The festival also involves colorful decorations, traditional dances, and the exchange of gifts, fostering a sense of community and joy. The festival marks the end of the traditional farming season in Tamil Nadu.

India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.

Rituals and tradition

Bhogi Pongal: The first day of Pongal is Bhogi Pongal, which involves discarding old belongings and celebrating new beginnings.

Thai Pongal: The second day is the main festival when the families prepare a special dish called Pongal, a sweet rice pudding, and offer it to the Sun God.

Mattu Pongal: The third day is dedicated to cattle, honouring their role in agriculture. Cows are adorned with garlands and painted horns and are worshipped by the people.

Kaanum Pongal: The final day is a time for social gatherings and feasting.

ugga bugga slotCommon things about these three festivals

Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri are all harvest festivals celebrated in India, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. These festivals highlight India’s deep connection with its agrarian roots and emphasize the importance of harmony with nature. They share a common theme of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, often involving bonfires, feasting, and the exchange of sweets.

Conclusion

Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal are not merely celebrations; they are vibrant expressions of India’s cultural diversity and unity. They remind us of the integral role agriculture plays in our lives and the importance of cherishing our traditions. As India continues to modernize, these harvest festivals serve as a bridge connecting us to our roots, ensuring that the spirit of gratitude and joy remains evergreen.

Follow Outlook Experiences:

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedInpeso 888