Yahoo! India Answers blog

In a primarily agricultural society like ours, the importance of harvest festivals cannot be overstated. Come January 14, and everyone in India gears up to celebrate the harvest festival even if most of us live far away from agricultural lands and in the midst of polluted cities.

What is this tie we have with the earth?

Makara Sankranti is a festival like no other. Called Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Lohri in Punjab, this is a festival that unites all of India’s sons of soil. Despite being essentially an earthy festival, it is also deeply spiritual. It is symbolic of new beginnings and fresh starts, of good tidings and peaceful existence.

In Karnataka, typically the festival is celebrated by exchanging sugarcane and a dish made with sesame seeds and jaggery. People wear new clothes and meet and greet each other before settling down to a lunch of pongal (khichdi/ lentil dish made with rice). In villages, the day begins early and farm animals are washed and prayed to. They also organize fun games and events in the evening so the whole community can get together. This practice also acknowledges the fact that after this day the days start becoming longer and warmer. Thus it is also a celebration of the decline of chilly winters.

So what is your story? How is Makara Sankranti celebrated in your state?
Answer the question or leave us a comment.
And a happy harvest festival to you all.

Cheers,
Bhumika Anand
Community Manager