INDIA, January 14, 2009: [HPI Note: we bring you some of the reports on the last days’ celebrations of the end of the harvest season.]
Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu are being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the country on Wednesday. The President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister, have greeted the Nation on this auspicious occasion.
Makar Sankranti: The starting of Uttarayana is celebrated as Makara Sankranti throughout India as it is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. On this day, hundreds of thousands of people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar and Prayag (Allahabad) and pray to Sun God. Makara Sankranti (a Sanskrit word) is the harvest festival of India.
Sankranti means transmigration of Sun from one Rashi(something akin to Zodiac) to the other. In Uttar Pradesh, large numbers of pilgrims have started reaching the Sangam, the confluence of the river Ganga, Yamuna and Mythical Saraswati to take dip in the holy waters on the occasion.
Pongal: Pongal is celebrated by all people in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerela. Charkarai Pongal cooked in new pots, vadai, Payasam and sugarcane are some of the compulsory menu in the houses. Women welcome the year with a beautiful kolam or rangoli in front of their houses. Palm leaf and mago leaf festoons are hung at the entrance of houses to add to the rustic touch for the festival.
Magh Bihu: In Assam, people celebrate this day as Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, celebrated when the harvesting is over. On the eve of Bihu day, called “Uruka”, women prepare rice cakes and other refreshments. The most significant part of this day is the building of Meji and feasting at night. The whole night is spent in feasting, merry-making dancing and singing.
In Gujarat not only look reverentially upto the sun, but also offers thousands of their colourful oblations in the form of beautiful kites all over the skyline.