Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals that is celebrated in various parts of India. From this day the Indian subcontinent witnessed the shift of the sun into lengthening days. The festival is known as the harvest festival throughout India as seasonal and religious changes are seen in the Hindu calendar. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in west India. This day marks the beginning of the new harvest season and ends the winter season. Makar Sankranti is an important festival as per the mythological stories of Mahabharata.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different styles, traditions, and rituals in different states. Special food dishes and sweets are consumed to mark the new beginning. Some of the unique dishes are multi-colored halwa and til laddu that is made up of sesame seeds and jaggery. In many states, this day begins by taking a holy dip at sacred bathing spots. Many famous fairs like Kumbha Mela, Gangasagar Mela, and Makara mela begin on this day.
The international kite festival is celebrated in Gujarat during Makar Sankranti. People fly colorful kites on this day as it is considered a signal to thank god for the new beginnings. Lift, weight, drag, and thrust are the four important forces that affect the kite flying experience. One should never fly kites near power line to avoid serious accidents.
Pongal
Pongal is one of the most famous harvest festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu located in south India. Various crops like rice, turmeric, and sugarcane are harvested during this period. It is a thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest season. Apart from the day a sweet dish known as Pongal is prepared out of sweet rice and boiled lentils. A day celebrated in honor of the lord of rain the Indra Dev, it is known as the Bhogai festival under which the utensils that aren’t in use are burnt in the bonfire. On the Pongal day, the special dish is prepared along with rice sugarcane and bananas are also offered. Mattu Pongal festival is celebrated on the third day in the honor of cows. Then with bells and garlands, the cattle are worshipped on that day. Kanum Pongal is the last day of the festival on this day women pray for their brother’s prosperity.
Lohri
Lohri festival is the harvest festival of Punjab, the majority of Rabi Crops is harvested during this period and the festival is in the honor of God that provided such a lovely harvest. A bonfire is lit during the sunset by the community people by arranging twigs and branches from the surrounding. People go around the bonfire in its reverence. It is an important festival for the newlyweds and newborn babies as it marks the beginning of a new life. The seasonal goodies like the rear, peanuts and sugarcane are consumed by many. This festival is in the honor of sun god the Surya dev who has gifted us life. Along with kheer Makki, di roti and Sarson ka saag is the traditional meal had by the majority. Around the bonfire puffed rice and popcorn are by put chanting aadar Aaye dither Jaye. Popular folk songs like Sundriye Mundhe ho are sung by people. People perform bhangra at night to celebrate the festival. As per mythological stories, Lohri is Hollika’s sister that passed away in the fire. It is believed that this festival brings peace and prosperity to everyone’s lives.
Article by Navkaarcreation
