Makar Sankranti to Pongal: How India celebrates the harvest festivals?

India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, celebrates the harvest season with a plethora of festivals that reflect gratitude for nature’s abundance. Among these, Makar Sankranti holds a prominent place, marking the Sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makara). Celebrated on or around January 14 each year, this festival signifies the end of winter and the onset of longer days. Let’s know how different Indian states observe this joyous occasion:

1. Pan-Indian Makar Sankranti

In most parts of India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with kite flying, the preparation of sesame and jaggery sweets, and regional customs. It’s a time for families to come together and rejoice in the season’s bounty.

2. Pongal in Tamil Nadu

This four-day harvest festival includes Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. The Sun God is worshipped, and a special dish called Pongal, made with rice and lentils, is prepared to mark the occasion.

3. Uttarayana in Gujarat and Rajasthan

Known for its vibrant kite-flying tradition, Uttarayana celebrates the Sun’s ascension. The skies are filled with colourful kites, symbolising joy and festivity.

4. Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in Assam

This harvest festival features communal feasts, traditional games, and bonfires. It’s a time for Assamese communities to celebrate their agricultural heritage.

5. Lohri in Punjab and Haryana

Observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, Lohri marks the end of winter. Families gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and enjoy treats like peanuts, jaggery, and sesame.

6. Sugi Habba in Karnataka

Farmers in Karnataka honour the Sun God and prepare unique dishes like ellu-bella, a mixture of sesame, jaggery, and coconut, to celebrate the harvest.

7. Khichdi in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

In these states, people prepare and savour khichdi, a simple yet hearty dish of rice and lentils, as part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations.

8. Poosh Sankranti in West Bengal

Known as “Pithe Parbon,” this festival is synonymous with delicacies like pithe, payesh, and coconut pastries, showcasing Bengal’s culinary richness.

9. Makara Chaula in Odisha

People offer newly harvested grains, fruits, and sweets to the deities. Special dishes like makara chaula, made with uncooked rice, are prepared to honour the gods.

10. Shishur Saenkraat in Kashmir

Kashmiri Pandits observe Makar Sankranti with traditional rituals and cuisine, making it a day of spiritual significance.

11. Maghi in Punjab

Celebrated a day after Lohri, Maghi involves cooking traditional dishes and taking holy dips in rivers to mark the transition of seasons.

12. Tila Sakrait in Mithila

In parts of Bihar and Jharkhand, this festival involves eating tilkut (sesame sweets) and taking ceremonial baths, highlighting regional traditions.

13. Thai Pongal in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu

Similar to Tamil Nadu’s Pongal, Tamil communities worldwide celebrate this festival, expressing gratitude for a successful harvest season.