Indian Harvest festival celebrations
A Harvest festival is a celebration of the food grown on the land. It is probably the only festival celebrated in every region of India, with regional variations in name, customs, and traditions.
In Punjab, the festival is called Lohri which falls on January 14 this year (usually celebrated on January 13).
Makar Sankranti, usually celebrated on January 14, marks the first major festival of the year in India, an especially festive day as most regions in the country mark the beginning of the harvesting season. This year it is being celebrated on January 15 because of the leap year.
Apart from the festival being called Makar Sankranti in several parts of India, it is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Sakraat in Rajasthan and parts of Bihar, Sankrant in Maharashtra, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Til Sankranti or Khichidi in Uttar Pradesh, Sukarat in Central India, Uttarain in Jammu and Magh Bihu in Assam.
Unlike most Indian festivals — which follow the lunar calendar — Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar, marking the northward transition of the sun into Makar (Capricorn) on its celestial path.
In India, this festival is observed with social festivities like fairs, dancing, bonfires, kite flying, feasts and colourful decorations. In some rural areas, children go from house to house singing and asking for treats.
In Canada, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Lohri festivals are celebrated in cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Large numbers of Canadians of Indian origin come together and embrace the festivities with bonfires, music, dance, traditional rituals and delicious food, filling hope in the hearts of people looking forward to a new year of possibilities.
Apart from the festivities being celebrated in the temples and gurudwara in Ottawa this year, there are a few community events being held at community centres on January 13 and 14.
Wishing all who are celebrating a Happy Makar Sankranti filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity!
