Each and every festival is celebrated uniquely in different ways according to the rituals, beliefs, and significant history behind it. Each festival has its own history, legend, and significance of the celebration.
Makar Sankranti:
This festival also referred to as Uttarayana, Makar, or simply Sankranti is a Hindu observance and festival. This occasion marks the transition of the Sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn.
Special prayers and offerings are given to the Sun to thank him for the harvest. For Hindus that make the pilgrimage to the river. In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with bonfires and in Gujarat, kite flying has become very popular.
As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan', the Gujarat government has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989. Every year, Gujarat celebrates more than 200 festivals. Read more about International Kite Festival
The festivities associated with the day are known by different names in different parts of the country - Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Bhogali Bihu by Assamese Hindus, and Pongal by Tamil and other South Indian Hindus. Read more
Lohri:
Sikhs and Hindus primarily celebrate Lohri. It marks the end of winter and is traditionally believed to welcome the sun to the northern hemisphere.
Kenduli Mela or Baul Mela:
The festival which provides an opportunity to encounter the Bauls. The Bauls are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who travel throughout the land singing songs and playing music that transcend all religions and scriptures. Read More
Pongal:
The word Pongal means ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over’. Also known as Thai Pongal, the four-day occasion is observed in the month of Thai, when crops such as rice are harvested and people show their gratitude to the almighty and the generosity of the land. Read more
Bihu:
It is celebrated when the annual harvest takes place in Assam. People celebrate Rongali/Magh Bihu to mark the beginning of the Assamese new year. Read more. It is believed that the festival started from the time when people of the valley began tilling the land. Bihu is believed to be as old as the river Brahmaputra.
Makaravilakku festival in Sabarimala:
It is celebrated at the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. This festival is celebrated for seven-day. At the beginning of the day of Makar Sankranti when the sun is on the summer solstice.
Ganga Sagar Snan :
Bathing rituals are important in all religions but they have special role in Hinduism where besides personal cleansing they are also associated with cleansing the soul of sins committed. Maha Kumbh held once every twelfth year and Kumbh Mela held every four years at alternate locations of India are biggest congregations of mankind. Next position with a million people attending it goes to Ganga Sagar Snan. It is held annually at Sagar Island in South 24 Pargana District of West Bengal and, 140 km from Kolkata. Read more
Jaipur Literature Festival:
Jaipur hosts a number of literary giants every year in January amid giving farewell to winter. The atmosphere fills with the air of creativity in the beautiful ambience of majestic Diggi House. Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’,. Literature buffs enjoys this opportunity to meet renowned national and international authors and listen as well as interact with them. Read More
The significance of the festival is the appearance of Makarajyothi- a celestial star that appears on the day of Makar Sankranti on top of Kantamala Hills. Makara Vilakku ends with the ritual called 'Guruthi', an offering made to appease the god and goddesses of the wilderness.