Harvest of hope
Although much of north India is struggling to survive a harsh cold wave this year, folks are also getting ready to mark the traditional harvest festival on January 14, that signifies the end of winter.
This festival is observed all over India. But it has different avatars in each part of our vast country and there are certain variations, as well, in the rituals performed.
In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and in some parts of North India it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and is a special occasion to fly kites.
In Haryana and Punjab folks go out and celebrate Lohri with singing and bonfires. In the northeastern state of Assam it is called Bhogaali Bihu or Magh Bihu and is a time of all-night feasting and an occasion to sing Bihu songs and beat drums around a fire. At the mouth of the Ganga, at Sagar Dwip, south of Kolkata, pilgrims converge for a holy dip at the Ganga Sagar Mela on this day. And in Allahabad the Magh Mela commences on January 14.
Down south in Tamil Nadu this festival is called Pongal and is a celebration of prosperity, health and ushers in new beginnings. rediff.com takes a peeks at how Tamil Nadu gears up for Pongal.
Also See: Magic Lanterns