Festivals of harvest – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu are being celebrated in different parts of the country today. These festivals mark the end of winter and the onset of longer days. These festivals are celebrated with cultural diversity, featuring traditions like kite flying, bonfires, and delightful feasts across the country.
For Makar Sankranti, PM Modi shared his best wishes, acknowledging the festivities taking place across the nation. This harvest festival marks the transition from winter to longer days and is celebrated with diverse cultural traditions, including kite flying, bonfires, and communal feasts.
Extending greetings on Pongal, the Prime Minister posted, “Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Pongal.” Pongal, a significant festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrates the harvest by offering gratitude to the Sun and honoring cattle, particularly bulls that assist in farming. The festivities span three days, featuring vibrant decorations, rangolis, and traditional dishes prepared with raw rice, jaggery, milk, moong dal, and ghee. Tomorrow, the celebration continues with Mattu Pongal, where bulls are adorned with new bells and festive decorations for a joyful village ride.
For Magh Bihu in Assam, the Prime Minister shared his wishes with a message on social media, saying, “Greetings on Magh Bihu.” This vibrant harvest festival, also known as Bhogali Bihu, signifies the coming together of communities to celebrate winter crops and pray for prosperity in the upcoming year.
Magh Bihu holds both agricultural and social importance, serving as a time to rejoice in the new yield and strengthen ties of friendship and brotherhood. In urban areas, people are adapting to the festivities by purchasing symbolic readymade Mejis for bonfires due to the limited availability of open spaces and hay.
Magh Bihu, the vibrant harvest festival, also known as Bhogali Bihu and Maghor Domahi. It is the first festival of the year that brings people of various communities together to enjoy the winter crops and pray for prosperity for the rest of the year. It is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Makar Sankranti in Northern parts of India.
By Manish Poswal
