The festive season of India has arrived when people across the country will be seen enjoying, celebrating and worshipping with great enthusiasm. Though entire India remains in a festive mood in the month of January, the name of the occasion differs according to various parts of the country.
As per the understanding of a wide range of people across India, the two days in the month of January every year are meant to celebrate crops, harvesting and agriculture.
The occasion is known with various names such as Pongal in South India, Lohri in North India, Bihu in Northeastern state of Assam and Makar Sankranti across India.
India is a country with diverse culture and various ethnic communities that differs in every state. Being rich in culture and tradition the country provides the essence of cultural significance and other values associated with it. The festival of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu and Pongal unites the whole country though it represents different cultures.
The dates for the festival of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu and Pongal this year are 14 January Friday and 15 January Saturday respectively.
Makar Sankranti: Makar of Makara Sankranti is observed by a large group of a religious communities in India. North India holds the great significance of the festival that is meant for marking the emergence of the harvest season by the ending of the winter season that signifies days getting longer. People during the occasion worship the Sun God and take a dip in the holy river of Ganga. They also play with kites by organizing various kites flying competitions in their localities and prepare sweets mainly the 'Ladu of til.'
Lohri: The Bonfire is much common in places of North India to celebrate Lohri as people are seen singing and dancing according to their culture. The state of Punjab gets fully involved with Lohri and follows certain important rituals that relate to agricultural benefits. According to people celebrating Lohri, the festival marks the season's end of sowing seeds in fields. People enjoy having various types of delicious home recipes and snacks such as Peanuts, Sarson Ka Saag, Rewri, Makke Ki Roti and others.
Bihu: The Northeast region of India celebrates the ending of harvesting season with the name of Magh Bihu. Various types of events can be seen in different villages during Magh Bihu that including Bonfire (Meji), Egg fight (Koni Juj), Bullfight among others. People enjoy the festival with traditional dance and cook various types of food called Pithas which is mainly enjoyed during Bihu time.
Pongal: The harvesting of rice and sugarcane brings delight to the life of people in the South part of India and celebrates the festival of Pongal. The vibrant occasion of Pongal continues for 4 days starting from 14 January and during these days people paint their shelters, decorate cattle and also carry out religious processions.
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