India is renowned globally for its vibrant festivals, and the month of January is marked by special celebrations, particularly the Harvest Festivals. This significant occasion is observed across the country under various names. In Punjab, the festival is known as Lohri. Down South, especially in Tamil Nadu, the festival is referred to as Pongal. In Gujarat, it is called Uttarayan. This year, Lohri will be celebrated on January 14 followed by Makar Sankranti on January 15.
These Harvest Festivals hold a distinct place in Indian culture as they pay homage to the agricultural cycle, recognising the pivotal role of the harvest season in the lives of the country’s agricultural community. Here is everything you need to know about Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, and Pongal.
Lohri
It is observed primarily in the northern regions of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. This festive day marks the culmination of winter, ushering in longer days and a warmer season. Celebrated with vibrant bonfires, Lohri is a homage to the sun god and the fire god. On this day, people gather around the bonfire, sing and dance. Traditional dishes play a significant role during these festivities, with favourites like Makki ki Roti, Sarson ka Saag, Pinni, Gur Gajak, Dahi Bhalle, and Halwa gracing the dining tables.
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti follows Lohri and is scheduled for January 15 this year. Devoted to Lord Surya, the Sun God, this festival signifies the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). Celebrated nationwide, people engage in various customs to mark the occasion.
Devotees worship Lord Surya and often take a holy dip in sacred water bodies. Acts of charity, such as giving alms to the needy, are common during this festival. Additionally, flying kites is a popular tradition.
Uttarayan
The festival, also known as Uttarayan, is a significant celebration dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Saraswati. In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the highlight of the festival is kite flying, organized on a grand scale.
The skies are adorned with colourful kites. Additionally, it is believed that the sun’s rays during this time purify the body. Uttarayan is a time of vibrant festivities, cultural events, and shared joy in these regions.
Pongal
Pongal, a 4-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and Pondicherry, derives its name from the Tamil word meaning ‘spilling over.’ The festivities entail boiling the season’s first rice with milk and jaggery. The initial day is Bhogi Pongal, followed by Surya Pongal on the second day, Mattu Pongal on the third, and concluding with Kannum Pongal. Rituals also include bathing, processions, prayers at home and temples, delicious feasts, house decorations and worship of the Sun God to mark this occasion.
Although each festival has unique regional customs, they all honour nature’s elements like earth, fire, rain and sun.
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