Celebrations are in the air and the vibrant tapestry of India unfolds its myriad hues as the harvest season arrives. While the names might differ from state to state, the heart of the celebration beats to the same rhythm – gratitude for a bountiful harvest and the promise of prosperity in the upcoming year.
Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Down in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Pongal takes center stage, and the aroma of freshly harvested rice wafts through the air. Homes are adorned with beautiful kolams (rangoli), and the sound of joyous laughter echoes in the courtyards. Pongal, the dish after which the festival is named, is prepared in an earthen pot and offered to the Sun God. The whole family gathers to witness the sweet rice dish boiling over, symbolising abundance and good fortune.
Magh Bihu in Assam
Head east to Assam, and you’ll find the melodious tunes of Bihu songs filling the air. Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is celebrated with fervour, and it’s all about indulging in the grand feast of traditional Assamese delicacies. The highlight? Bhelaghar, makeshift huts constructed with bamboo and thatch, where the community comes together for a night of revelry, bonfires, and feasting on sweets made from newly harvested crops.
Makar Sankranti in Gujarat
Move west to Gujarat, and Makar Sankranti is synonymous with the famous International Kite Festival. The sky transforms into a riot of colors as kites of all shapes and sizes dance in the breeze. The Gujaratis take to their terraces, engage in friendly kite battles, and relish a variety of til (sesame) and gud (jaggery) sweets. The air is filled with the infectious enthusiasm of “kai po che!” (a victorious cry after cutting someone’s kite).
The same can be seen in West Bengal where delicious puli pithe is eaten alongside many traditional sweets made of til. Bengalis gather in Poush Mela gatherings and take part in many cultural activities. And yes, the victorious kite flying crying is called “Bho Katta!” here.
Lohri in Punjab
In the lively state of Punjab, Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Bonfires are lit, and the beat of the dhol resonates in the air. Families and friends gather around the fire, tossing sesame seeds, gur, and popcorn into the flames as an offering. The night is filled with the energetic moves of the bhangra and gidda dances and the warmth of the bonfire symbolises the collective spirit of the community.
This is India in the truest sense – Unity in Diversity
While the festivals may go by different names and boast distinct customs, the underlying theme remains constant: celebrating the earth’s bounty, fostering community bonds, and ushering in the promise of a prosperous future. So, whether you’re flying kites in Gujarat and West Bengal, dancing the bhangra in Punjab, or cooking Pongal in Tamil Nadu, the spirit of the harvest unites us all in a joyful celebration of life’s abundance!