15/01/2020
India celebrates the moving of sun into the Northern Hemisphere bringing much relief from bone biting cold. Different regions celebrate under different names in their own unique ways
Lohri ~ is a popular winter folk festival of Punjab & Northern India. Many legends about the festival, though mostly believe the festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice. Celebrated on 13th January every year, people lit bonfires in their yards after weeks of the rabi season cropping work, socialize around the fire, sing and dance as the end of winter and onset of longer days is celebrated.
Yet another folklore links Lohri to the tale of Dulla Bhatti. The central theme of many Lohri songs is the legend of Dulla Bhatti and lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was regarded as a hero in Punjab, for rescuing Hindu girls from being forcibly taken to be sold in slave market of the Middle East. Amongst those he saved were two girls Sundri & Mundri, who gradually became a theme of Punjab' folklore. As a part of Lohri celebrations, children go around homes singing the traditional folk songs of Lohri with "Dulla Bhatti" name included. One person sings, while others end each line with a loud "Ho!" sung in unison. After the song ends, the adult of the home is expected to give snacks and money to the singing troupe of youngsters
Makara Sankranti ~ Or Maghi is a festival day dedicated to Sun god – Surya. It is one of the few ancient Indian festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, while most festivals are set by the lunar cycle. Being a solar cycle festival, it falls on the same date – 14 January. Known by different names, such as Maghi (preceded by Lohri), Pedda Pandaga in Maharasthra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, POush Sankranti in West Bengal, Karnataka & Telangana, Sukarat in Central India, Magh Bihu in Assam and Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
The festival is observed with social festivities – colourful decorations, kids in rural area go around asking for treats, fairs, dances, kite flying, bonfires and feast. It celebrates the end of longest night of the year. Every 12 years the Hindus observe Makar Sankranti with one of the world’s largest pilgrim congregation – Kumbh Mela, where 60-80 million people gather to over a period of 2-3 months. Many take a holy dip in sacred rivers and lakes.
Magh Bihu ~ celebrated in Assam is a harvest festival with community feasts. Its part of three BIHU festivals celebrated over the year and associated with agriculture and rice in particular. Bohag bihu in April is sowing festival, Kati bihu in October is associated with crop protection, worship of plants and crops. The Magh bihu is celebrated with feats, music and dancing greeting the new year. The three Bihus are Assamese festivals with reverence for Lord Krishna , cattle, elders in the society, fertility, mother goddess and crops.
Pongal ~ A multi-day Hindu harvest festival of South India. Dedicated to Hindu sun god, Surya. The festival marks the end of winter solstice and beginning gof the sun’s six months jopurney northwards. The festival is named after ceremonial Pongal, which means to boil, overflow and refers to the traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in miklk with jiggery. To mark the festival, the Pongal sweet dish is prepared, first offered to the gods & goddesses, followed sometimes with an offering to the cows, and then shared by family and friends. It is traditionally an occasion for decorating rice powder based Kolam artworks, offering prayers at home, temples, get-togethers, exchanging gifts to renew social bonds.
Happy festivities
