Harvest Festivals in India

Makar Sankranti

• Marks the sun's transition into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn).
• Signals the beginning of summer and the six months auspicious period for Hindus known as Uttarayan – the northward movement of the sun (As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan', the Gujarat government has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989).
• Celebrated with diverse names, such as
  • Lohri: North India.
  • Sukarat: Central India.
  • Bhogali Bihu: Assam.
  • Pongal: Tamil Nadu and South India.

Bihu

• Celebrated in Assam during the annual harvest.
• Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
• Originates from the agrarian practices of the valley's inhabitants.

Pongal

• A Tamil harvest festival celebrated in the month of Thai.
• The word Pongal means "overflow" or "boiling over," symbolizing abundance.
• Celebrated by making kolams (traditional designs) with rice powder and expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Harvest Festivals of India