Harvest festivals in India
Why in news?
Harvest festivals in India, particularly Lohri, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu, are being celebrated this week in January 2026 to mark the winter harvest and express gratitude for agricultural abundance.
Key Festivals and Dates
- Lohri occurs on January 13, 2026, in Punjab and northern India, honoring rabi crops with bonfires and folk songs.
- Pongal spans January 13-16 in Tamil Nadu, starting with Bhogi Pandigai on January 13 to discard the old and welcome prosperity.
- Makar Sankranti and Uttarayana fall on January 14, featuring sesame sweets, kite flying, and the sun's transition into Capricorn
Regional Celebrations
- Punjab and Haryana focus on Lohri's community bonfires, traditional thalis with sarson da saag and makki di roti.​
- Tamil Nadu's Pongal includes cattle honoring on Mattu Pongal (January 15) and family gatherings on Kaanum Pongal (January 16).​
- Assam's Magh Bihu on January 15 involves feasts and games after the harvest.​
- Gujarat and other states emphasize kite festivals during Makar Sankranti.​
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