India is a land filled with festivals and celebrations. One special celebration is called the harvest festival of India. It happens when farmers gather their crops and give thanks for a good harvest.
We will learn about the harvest festivals of India. In this article and what makes them so unique and what makes them so enjoyable?
Makar Sankranti/Pongal: celebrating the sun
One harvest festival in India is called Makar Sankranti or Pongal. It happens in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
During this festival, people fly colorful kites in Gujarat and share sweet treats made of sesame seeds and jaggery in Maharashtra. In Tamil Nadu, they make beautiful rangolis. Cook a yummy dish called Pongal.
Baisakhi: Happy harvest in Punjab
Baisakhi is a harvest festival of India celebrated in Punjab, a state in the north of India. It is a time to thank you for the good crops. Additionally remembers the formation of the Khalsa, a Sikh community.
During Baisakhi, people have big processions, dance to lively music, and enjoy delicious food together.
Onam: a grand festival in Kerala
Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala, a southern state of India. It lasts around ten days and is a time to welcome the legendary king Mahabali.
People decorate their homes with pretty flower rangolis. Watch exciting boat races on the backwaters. They also enjoy traditional dances, like Kathakali, and have a big feast called Onam Sadya with many tasty dishes.
Lohri: bonfire fun in Punjab
Lohri is another harvest festival of India celebrated in Punjab. It takes place when winter ends and the days start getting longer. People gather around bonfires and sing and dance to the beat of the drum.
They also offer food to the fire to show thanks and hope for a good harvest in the future. Lohri is a time for friends and family to have fun and eat yummy sweets.
Puthandu: New Year and harvest festival in India (Tamil Nadu)
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It marks the start of the Hindu calendar and is a time to mark the harvest.
People draw colorful patterns on the ground called kolams and make a unique sweet and tangy dish called mango pachadi. They visit temples, pray, and exchange gifts with loved ones.
Conclusion
There is nothing like the harvest festivals in India to make you feel happy and grateful. They show us the importance of being thankful in life, such as a bountiful harvest. As a result of these festivals, people come together and enjoy delicious food, beautiful dances, and the sounds of singing and dancing.
Harvest festivals teach us how to appreciate nature as well as how to make a difference in the world.
