Festival of folks to thank sun god, welcome prosperity

This harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God is usually celebrated in mid-January, falling between 15 and 17 this year. Homes across the state erupt into festivities such as the making of pongal, a sweetened rice dish, worshipping cattle as a source of wealth, and reuniting with family and friends.

Marking the end of the winter solstice, Makar Sankranti is a time of growth and hope. It falls on January 14 this year, and is celebrated across south and central India. In Gujarat, this festival is also known as Uttarayan and is welcomed with a kite festival that has gained international popularity over the years.

Basant Panchami is the welcoming of spring and people dress in yellow to mark the flowering mustard fields. The festival (February 10) is observed in the north, central and western parts of India and is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, language, music and all arts. Bouquet and garlands of flowers with mango leaves are exchanged as a gift in some customs.

This is a popular winter time Punjabi folk festival, celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus. It celebrates the days getting longer as the sun proceeds on its northward journey after winter. On January 13 this year, the states which celebrate Lohri will witness the lighting of bonfires and some families will eat sheaves of roasted corn from the new harvest.

Also known as Magh Bihu, Bhogali Bihu is the festival, falling on January 15, of eating food and enjoyment. The people of Assam make feasts, erect makeshift huts — known as meji and bhelaghar — from bamboo, leaves and thatch and then burn the huts the next morning. Traditional games such as tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting are carried out too.