India is truly the land of festivals, and the new year begins on a festive note with celebrations of the harvest season. Come January, fields across the country are filled with the joy of reaping crops, and each region marks the occasion in its own special way. Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal are among the most popular, but they are known by many names. In Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana, people celebrate it as Makara Sankranti or Poush Sankranti. In central India, it is called Sukrat, while in Assam it becomes the vibrant festival of Bihu. In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, people celebrate it with the humble dish of khichdi, giving the festival its local name.
Though the names and customs differ, the spirit remains the same, gratitude for a good harvest, prayers for prosperity, and moments of joy and togetherness with loved ones. These celebrations are more than rituals; they reflect the unity of India’s cultural diversity.
How India celebrates the harvest festival and its significance
Lohri
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 the celebrations of Lohri, the country gears up for Makar Sankranti, observed on January 14 with much enthusiasm across India. The festival marks the sun’s entry into Capricorn, a celestial event that signals the end of the harsh winter and the arrival of longer, warmer days. It also marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the six-month period when the sun moves northward.
The word Sankranti itself means the movement of the sun, and among the 12 Sankrantis celebrated in a year, Makar Sankranti holds the greatest significance. While the rituals and traditions vary from region to region, the essence of the festival remains the same, gratitude, renewal, and joy.
From kite flying in Gujarat, bonfires in Punjab, and feasts in Maharashtra, to charitable acts and temple visits across India, Makar Sankranti unites people in celebration of abundance, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
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.
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.
Common 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why are sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) common in all three festivals?
A: Til and gur are harvested in winter and are considered "warming foods" in Ayurveda. Eating them provides the body with much-needed energy and heat during the cold season. Symbolically, sharing these sweets signifies spreading sweetness and positive relationships.
Q2: What is Uttarayan, and why is it important during Makar Sankranti?
A: Uttarayan is the six-month period when the sun begins its northward journey, as per the Hindu calendar. This period is considered highly auspicious, marking the return of longer, brighter days and is ideal for new beginnings and spiritual activities.
Q3: Are Bihu and Khichdi separate festivals?
A: They are regional names and customs for the same harvest celebration. Magh Bihu is the name for the Makar Sankranti festival in Assam, celebrated with bonfires and community feasts. In parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the festival is popularly known as "Khichdi Parv" because eating and donating khichdi is the central ritual.
