The multitude of harvest festivals, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal, have been recently celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal across India. Each of these festivals carries its unique cultural significance and rituals, marking important agrarian milestones and celestial events.
Makar Sankranti and Its Significance
Makar Sankranti bears importance due to the sun’s movement into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). This event indicates the onset of summer and an auspicious six-month period for Hindus, known as ‘Uttarayan,’ representing the northward journey of the sun. From 1989, the Gujarat government officially celebrates this day by hosting the International Kite Festival. The event is recognized by different names in various regions: Lohri in northern India, Sukarat in central India, Bhogali Bihu in Assam, and Pongal in southern states.
Lohri Celebrations
Mainly celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus, Lohri signifies the end of the winter season. It is a festival where the sun is traditionally welcomed back to the northern hemisphere. Celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti, Lohri involves specific rituals, including a Puja Parikrama (revolve) around the bonfire with prasad. It’s largely seen as the festival of farmers and harvests, where they express their gratitude to the Supreme Being.
Pongal: Overflow of Harvest Joy
Pongal, which means ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over’, is celebrated for four days during the Thai month. This period marks the harvest of crops like rice, and people show gratitude towards the almighty and the land’s benevolence. Traditional kolams (designs) made from rice powder adorn Tamilian homes during this festival.
Bihu: Marking The Assamese New Year
The time of annual harvest in Assam coincides with the celebration of the festival known as Bihu. Rongali or Magh Bihu is observed to mark the Assamese New Year’s commencement and dates back to when the valley’s settlers first tilled the land. The Bihu festivities are considered as old as the Brahmaputra River, a vital life source for the region.
Makaravilakku Festival in Sabarimala
The sacred gathering at Lord Ayyappa’s grove in Sabarimala witnesses the annual seven-day Makaravilakku festival, commencing on the day of Makar Sankranti. The summer solstice is marked by the celestial star appearance, known as Makarajyothi, atop Kantamala Hills. This festival concludes with a ritual called ‘Guruthi,’ an offering presented to appease the wilderness’ gods and goddesses.
