What is a harvest festival? What are the significances of these festivals? Different types of harvest festivals in India? Read further to know more
India is popularly known as the “Land of Festivals,” and it is a colourful country where people celebrate with vigour and joy. The first crop yield is a joy for the people, and they celebrate it joyfully as a festival.
As a colourful nation, India’s most vibrant harvest festivals include interesting mythological legends and joyous celebrations. They are as amazing and diverse as its people and landscapes, and they allow you to experience the beauty of Indian culture.
However, due to climatic differences, the dates for harvest festivals vary across the country.
What is Harvest Festival?
A harvest festival in India is a traditional celebration that marks the end of the growing season and the gathering of crops. It is typically held in the autumn, around the time of the harvest, and may include religious ceremonies, feasts, and festivals.
The specific customs and traditions associated with a harvest festival can vary depending on the region and culture, but they often involve the community coming together to give thanks for a successful harvest and to share in the abundance of the season.
Significance of Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals have significant cultural, social, and religious significance. Some of the key reasons for their importance include:
- Giving thanks: Harvest festivals are often seen as a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and to recognize the hard work and labour that goes into growing crops.
- Celebrating community: The festival is a time for people to come together as a community to celebrate the end of the growing season. This can also serve as a social and cultural bonding experience for the community.
- Religious and spiritual significance: Many harvest festivals have religious or spiritual origins and may be linked to ancient agricultural rituals or celebrations.
- Commemorating the cycle of life and death: Harvest festivals can symbolize the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of the end of the year, and they could also symbolize the cycle of life and death.
- Celebration of abundance: In times of scarcity or hardship, Harvest festivals can be seen as a celebration of abundance and a reminder of the importance of community and sharing resources.
Overall, harvest festivals are deeply rooted in tradition, but also reflect the contemporary values and needs of the people who celebrate them.
Different types of Harvest Festivals in India
India is a diverse country with many different cultures and traditions. As such, there are many different harvest festivals that are celebrated across the country. Some of the most well-known harvest festivals in India include:
1. Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Sri Lanka. It is typically celebrated in the month of January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.
The name “Pongal” refers to the traditional dish made of boiled rice, lentils, and sweeteners such as jaggery or sugar, which is offered to the gods as a form of gratitude for the bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated to thank the Sun god, the farm animals and nature for their contribution to the harvesting process.
On the first day of the festival, called Bhogi Pongal, people discard old possessions and light a bonfire to signify the start of a new beginning. The second day, known as Surya Pongal, is dedicated to the sun god and is considered the main day of the festival.
People prepare and offer the traditional Pongal dish to the sun god, and also decorate their homes and streets with colourful Rangolis (patterns made on the floor with coloured powders).
The third day is known as Mattu Pongal and it is dedicated to the worship of cows and bulls who are considered the backbone of agricultural activities. The fourth day, called Kannum Pongal, is a day for families and friends to get together and enjoy traditional foods, games, and sports.
Pongal is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and look forward to a prosperous new year.
2. Makar Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as in many other parts of India. The festival typically takes place in January, around the same time as Pongal, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Makar Sankranti marks the start of the sun’s six-month-long journey northward, which is known as Uttarayana. It is believed that on this day the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), which is why the festival is named Makar Sankranti.
On this day, people take a dip in sacred rivers or lakes, which is considered to be auspicious and purifying. This is followed by praying to the Sun God and offering food to the poor and to the crows, which are considered messengers of Lord Shani.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people prepare special dishes like Pongal, which is a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery, and fly kites as a symbol of the onset of longer days and the victory of good over evil. The festival is also an occasion for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and make new friendships.
Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and look forward to a prosperous new year.
3. Lohri in Punjab
Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in the Indian state of Punjab, and also in parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. It is typically celebrated in the month of January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.
Lohri marks the end of winter and the start of longer days. It is also associated with the harvest of the Rabi crops, particularly sugarcane and the winter crops of wheat and barley. The festival is celebrated by lighting a bonfire in the evening and performing a traditional dance around it, called the “Bhangra”.
Traditionally, Lohri is celebrated by the farming community and is seen as a time to give thanks for a good harvest and to pray for a bountiful crop in the coming year. On this day, people prepare traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag (mustard greens) and Makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread) and sweets like gajak, rewri and gur-gur pa. People also exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family and enjoy the evening with music, dance and socializing.
The Lohri celebration also includes an age-old tradition of giving money to the newlywed couple and newborn babies, as well as a celebration of the Punjabi culture and traditions, such as songs and dances.
Overall, Lohri is a festive and vibrant celebration that brings people together and marks the end of winter and the start of a new year. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones and to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.
4. Bhogali Bihu in Assam
Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. It typically takes place in January, around the same time as Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti, which are similar harvest festivals celebrated in other parts of India.
Bhogali Bihu is celebrated after the completion of the harvesting of the main crops in Assam, such as rice, mustard, and sesame. The festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season and to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
The festival is celebrated for three days, the first day is called Uruka, where people prepare for the festival by building huts made of bamboo, banana leaves, and thatch. On the second day, called Bihu, people offer prayers to the gods and perform traditional dances and songs around the Bihu fire.
The third day is called Maas Sankranti and it is dedicated to celebrating with family and friends, where people exchange sweets, savouries and other delicacies.
On Bhogali Bihu people prepare a traditional feast called “Feast of Fire” consisting of delicacies like fish, meat, and various types of sweets and cakes which are prepared by using ingredients like jaggery, banana, sesame and coconut.
Bhogali Bihu is an important festival in Assam and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the end of the harvesting season. It is also a way to celebrate and preserve the local cultural heritage and customs.
5. Poush Parbon in West Bengal
Poush Parbon is a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is typically celebrated in the month of December or January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.
Poush Parbon marks the end of the harvesting season and is a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated by preparing traditional Bengali dishes such as sweet pitha (made of rice and coconut), payesh (a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and sugar) and many other delicacies. People also exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family and enjoy the day with music, dance and socializing.
On this day, people also offer the first fruits of the season to the gods and decorate their homes with Rangolis (patterns made on the floor with coloured powders) and flowers. Poush Parbon is an important festival in West Bengal and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the end of the harvesting season.
6. Onam in Kerala
Onam is a major annual harvest festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It typically takes place in the month of August or September and is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season.
The festival is celebrated to honour King Mahabali, a beloved ruler who is said to have ruled Kerala during a golden age of peace and prosperity. According to legend, Mahabali was banished to the underworld by the god Vamana but is allowed to visit his people once a year during Onam.
Onam is celebrated over ten days and features a variety of traditional activities and customs. One of the most notable is the Onam Sadya, a grand feast that features a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes and is served on banana leaves. People also participate in traditional sports and games like boat races, bullfights and Onathallu(a martial art form).
Another significant part of Onam is the decoration of the front of homes, known as “Onapookalam,” with intricate flower arrangements, said to be a welcome gesture for King Mahabali. Onam is also marked by elaborate dances, such as the “Thiruvathirakali” and “Kummattikali” which are performed by men and women dressed in traditional attire.
Onam is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala, and it brings together people from all walks of life. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the state.
7. Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra and also in some parts of Karnataka as the New Year. It typically falls in the month of March or April and marks the beginning of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar.
On Gudi Padwa, a “Gudi” (a kind of a flag or a pot) is hoisted outside the homes and is believed to ward off evil spirits. It is made by a long bamboo pole and decorated with neem leaves, a sugarcane stem, flowers and a garland of mango leaves, a silk scarf and a silver or copper pot.
People also clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods such as shrikhand and puri, wear new clothes and visit temples to seek blessings. It is also a time for people to visit friends and family and exchange gifts and sweets.
In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is celebrated by farmers as the New Year for agricultural activities and the start of the sowing season for the Rabi crops like sugarcane, wheat, and barley. It is also celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
In Karnataka, it is known as “Ugadi” and is celebrated differently. It is a combination of the start of the new year and the end of the harvest season and is also celebrated by hoisting Gudi.
Overall, Gudi Padwa is an important festival that brings people together and marks the beginning of a new year and the start of the agricultural season. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones, give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and look forward to a prosperous future.
8. Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka
Ugadi is a major festival celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. It typically falls in the month of March or April and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival is also known as Yugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
On Ugadi, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods such as Ugadi Pachadi (a mixture of six flavours – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, tangy and spicy), wear new clothes and visit temples to seek blessings. It is also a time for people to visit friends and family and exchange gifts and sweets.
One of the most important rituals of Ugadi is preparing and eating the Ugadi Pachadi, which is a dish that is meant to symbolize the six different emotions or experiences (shadruchulu) that one goes through in life: happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise.
Each ingredient of the Pachadi represents these emotions and the dish is meant to remind people that life is a combination of all of these emotions and that one should be prepared for everything.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ugadi is also celebrated as the first day of the Hindu calendar and is considered the day on which Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe. People engage in various rituals, take a dip in sacred rivers and perform prayers to Lord Brahma, wishing for prosperity and happiness in the new year.
9. Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It typically falls in the month of January and marks the beginning of the Uttarayana or the sun’s northward journey.
Sankranti is also known as Makar Sankranti which is a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
People take a dip in sacred rivers or lakes, offer prayers to the Sun God and exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family. It is also a time to participate in traditional sports and games like kite-flying.
10. Maghi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh
Maghi is a festival celebrated in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, typically in the month of January or February. It is a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the winter solstice and the start of the Rabi harvest season.
People prepare and offer traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag and Makki di roti and participate in traditional Punjabi cultural activities like singing and dancing.
11. Laxmi Puja in West Bengal
Laxmi Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. It typically falls in the month of October or November and is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi.
On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional Bengali dishes such as sweet pitha and payesh, and perform puja, or worship, in the evening.
12. Vaisakhi in Punjab, Baisakhi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh
Vaisakhi and Baisakhi are two different names for the same festival celebrated in the Indian state of Punjab. It typically falls in the month of April and marks the beginning of the solar New Year according to the Punjabi calendar.
It is also a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the Rabi crop season and the start of the Kharif crop season. People prepare traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag and Makki di roti and participate in traditional Punjabi cultural activities like singing and dancing.
13. Rongali Bihu in Assam
Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. It typically falls in the month of April and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the start of the agricultural season.
People prepare traditional Assamese dishes such as fish and meat and participate in traditional Assamese cultural activities like singing and dancing.
14. Naba Barsho in West Bengal
Naba Barsho, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is a major festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal and also in Bangladesh, it marks the Bengali New Year.
Typically falls in the month of April, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm, people dress in traditional attire, prepare special dishes and visit friends and family. Businesses also open their new accounts on this day.
15. Bisu parba in Karnataka
Bisu parba, also known as Bisu, is a harvest festival celebrated in the state of Karnataka. It is celebrated by the farming community, usually in the month of April, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of the new sowing season.
People prepare traditional dishes and offer prayers to the gods for a bountiful harvest.
16. Nuakhai in Odisha
Nuakhai is an agricultural festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. It typically falls in the month of September and is celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon and the start of the new agricultural season. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and make preparations for the new agricultural year.
Also, read Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Conclusion
Harvest festivals are an important part of the cultural heritage of India, celebrated in different states with unique customs, rituals, and traditions. They are typically celebrated around the same time of the year, usually in the months of September to January and mark the end of the harvesting season and the start of the new agricultural year.
These festivals also serve as a reminder of the importance of agriculture in the lives of people, and the dependence on the land and nature for survival.
The harvest festivals are a way to celebrate, preserve and pass on the cultural heritage and customs of each region, and a reminder of the cycle of life and the connection to the land.
Article Written by: Remya
