New Delhi: The New Year brings new beginnings and many festivals. India is known for its diverse cultures. The festivals celebrated may have different names and vary by state, but they all share one common theme: harvest. The festival season begins with Lohri, celebrated every year on January 13, followed by Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayana and Magh Bihu.
This day marks a change of season as we move from winter to warmer months. The Sun is believed to start its northward journey (Uttarayan) on this day. In Hindu tradition, the end of January signals the start of longer days. It represents the Sun changing direction and moving towards the north, entering the Makara or Capricorn zodiac sign.
In this article, let us look at some interesting facts about these festivals.
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is the first day the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac sign. This day marks the end of winter and the start of warmer, longer days. If Sankranti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called “Angarki Chaturthi” and is considered lucky. Unlike most Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is celebrated based on the solar calendar. Because of this, it usually falls on the same day each year, January 14. The date might shift by a day on rare occasions.
Pongal
Pongal is also referred to as Thai Pongal. Pongal is a festival that celebrates life and shows gratitude. It is important for Tamils in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. People in Sri Lanka and the Tamil community around the world also celebrate this festival. Pongal has symbols related to the Sun and agriculture.
There are many stories and legends connected to Pongal. One popular story involves Lord Shiva and his bull, Nandi. Another legend is how Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain with his finger to protect people from Indra, the God of rain. This event is said to mark the first day of Pongal.
There is also a story about Nandi delivering a message from Lord Shiva. Shiva wanted people to eat once a month and take an oil bath every day. Instead, Nandi mistakenly told them to eat daily and take an oil bath once a month. Because of this mistake, Lord Shiva sent Nandi to Earth to help people harvest more food. Since then, Pongal has been known as the harvest festival.
Uttarayana
Makar Sankranti is called “Uttarayan” in Gujarat and is celebrated over two days. The first day is Uttarayan, and the second day is Vasi-Uttarayan (Stale Uttarayan). The people of Gujarat celebrate with Patang (kites), Undhiyu (a spicy curry made with winter vegetables) and Chikkis (sweets made with sesame, peanuts and jaggery). These are special festival treats enjoyed on this day.
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
Magh Bihu, also called Bhogali Bihu or Maghor Bihu, is a two-day festival celebrated in Assam, India. It is ancient, dating back to around 3500 BC. At that time, people performed fire sacrifices to ensure a good harvest. The Dimasa Kacharis tribe is believed to have been the first to celebrate this festival.
On the first day, called Uruka, people gather around a bonfire to sing and dance. The next day, people bathe and burn a big bonfire called a Meji, offering prayers to the Holy Fire.
Food is a big part of Magh Bihu. People share meals with family and friends. They often eat Chira, Akhoi, Bora Saul, Kumol Saul, fresh cream, cow or buffalo curd, and jaggery for breakfast. Other popular treats include Pitha, Narikol Laru, ghila pitha, Tekeli Pitha, Kachi Pitha, and Sunga Pithas.
Magh Bihu celebrates the end of the harvest season. It helps people express gratitude to nature and strengthen community bonds.
Ellu Bella
Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Karnataka with a ritual called “Ellu Birodhu”, where women share “Ellu Bella”. This mix is made from freshly cut sugarcane, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, which they exchange with at least 10 families.
During this time, people often say, “ellu bella thindu olle maathadi,” which means ‘eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak only good.’
Farmers celebrate this festival, known as “Suggi” or the harvest festival, by decorating their bulls and cows in colourful costumes. They also participate in a ritual called “Kichchu Haayisuvudu,” where they jump over the fire along with their bulls.
Makara Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh
Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh for four days.
- Day 1: Bhogi Panduga – People throw away old items into a bonfire known as Bhogi.
- Day 2: Pedda Panduga – This means “Big Festival”. People celebrate with prayers and new clothes and invite guests for feasts. They decorate the entrances of their homes with colourful rangoli patterns, flowers, and small piles of cow dung called “gobbemma”.
- Day 3: Kanuma – This day is special for farmers. They worship and show off their cattle, which symbolises prosperity. Cockfighting used to take place, but it is now banned.
- Day 4: Mukkanuma – Farmers pray to the elements, such as soil, rain, and fire, for a good harvest. On this last day, people enjoy meat dishes.
India’s vibrant culture shines through its diverse harvest festivals. January witnesses celebrations like Makar Sankranti (also Uttarayan in Gujarat), Pongal, and Magh Bihu. These festivals, based on the solar calendar, mark the end of winter and the start of longer days. They express gratitude for the harvest and strengthen community bonds through rituals, food, and festivities unique to each region. The celebrations often involve bonfires, special foods, and vibrant displays of culture. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
