Makar Sankranti, also known as Makara Sankranthi, is the day when Sun (Lord Surya) enters into the Northern Hemisphere, which represents the beginning of Uttarayana Punya Kaalam. For Hindus, Makar Sankranti is considered as the harvest festival and is celebrated across India on all states. Though the festival names and the celebrations of Makara Sankranti in each states is different. Here are the details of Makar Sankranti celebrations in various Indian states. Read more information about Makar Sankranti Festival here.
Pedda Panduga Festival in Andhra Pradesh
Celebrated as a three-day harvest festival, this festival is called by Telugus as ‘Pedda Panduga' meaning big festival. The first day is celebrated as Bhogi, the second day as Sankranti, the third day as Kanuma and the fourth day, Mukkanuma.
Bhogali Bihu Festival in Assam
This harvest festival is called here as Bhogali Bihu, which is celebrated to mark the end of the winter paddy harvest in January/February. People undergo fast on the night before the festival. Thatched pavilions are erected around the place. At dawn, the pavilions are set on fire. Bull fights form part of the celebrations.
Makar Sankranti Festival in Bengal
People gather every year at the confluence of the Ganga and the Sea during Makara Sankranti festival. A ceremonial purification in the River Hooghly, near Calcutta (Kolkata) is held on the day. The festival is celebrated at the peak of winter in a place called Kurseong which is situated at an altitude of 2458 m.
Lohri Festival in Haryana and Punjab
People of Punjab and Harayana celebrate Lohri, symbolizing the end of winter. Bonfires are set, around which people gather to meet friends and relatives and sing folk songs. Children go door to door, singing and collecting money and sweets. Read more about Lohri Festival in Punjab here
Makar Sankranti Festival in Rajasthan
A big kite festival is celebrated here, especially in Jaipur and Ahmedabad. In Jodhpur, the three day festival called Desert Kite Festival is held during Makar Sankranti.
Pongal Festival in Tamilnadu
Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu with great pomp and splendor. Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month 'Thai', the festival honors Lord Surya, the Sun God. Pongal festival spreads over four days. Bhogi Pongal is celebrated on January 14, Thai Pongal on Jan 15, Maatu Pongal on Jan 16 and Katya Pongal on Jan 17. Thiruvalluvar Day falls on 15th January, 2019. More Details about Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu here
Khichiri Festival in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, this festival is called as Khichiri. People take a holy dip in the rivers on this day which is considered auspicious. A one-month long ‘Magha-Mela’ fair begins at Prayag (Allahabad) during the occasion.
Comments
Post a Comment