January brings the vibes of the new year and to make it more exciting it comes with a few festivals. As we know India is the country of festivals, traditions and many more. The festivals start from January to make the year more amazing.
The festivals are:-
- PONGAL :– Pongal means “ SPILLED OVER “ which means It had been named like that essentially because of the tradition of boiling rice in a pot until it starts to overflow? It is celebrated on 14 January. It is the festival of South India which marks the beginning of Uttarayan and the local new year. This four-day festival is typically commemorated for showcasing gratitude towards nature for bestowing its bounties on humans. On the first day, which is also known as Bhogi pongal, People honour Lord Indra who is considered as the Rain God. On the second day, also known as Thai pongal, people get ready early in the morning for making rangolis using kolam or lime powder in honour of lord sun. On the third day, Cows are worshipped and adorned with garlands and bells for their aarti. And on the last day, which has different names, is Kaanum Pongal, Karinaal, and Thiruvalluvar Day. It is celebrated just like raksha bandhan or Bhai dooj in which women pray for the well being of their brothers.
2. LOHRI :- It is mainly celebrated by Punjabis in the Punjab region. Celebrating Lohri marks the beginning of the harvest season which says thanks for making a bounteous harvest possible. It is believed by many that the festival marks the passing of the winter solstice. Lohri marks the end of winter, and is a traditional welcome of longer days and the sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere by Hindus and Sikhs in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent. On lohri people do bonfires, sing a long song, dance, collect gifts and have delicious food. Most North Indians usually have private Lohri celebrations in their houses. Lohri rituals are performed, with the accompaniment of special Lohri songs.
3. MAKAR SANKRANTI :- Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan or Maghi or simply Sankranti, also known in Bangladesh as Poush Sankranti, is a harvest festival day in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the deity Surya (sun). Makar Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colourful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats in some areas, melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. In most areas people do a competition for kite flying with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. And nowadays, at night people blow the lanterns in the sky to make the day memorable and end the day in a beautiful way.
4. REPUBLIC DAY :- It is a national holiday in India, when the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26, January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic. The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India. And also on this special day the deserving are honoured by several awards like Padma Vhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage. And in the rest of India People do flag hosting in schools, offices, institutions and everywhere. Even in school, children prepare for cultural dances, games and drama to mark a memorable day.
These 4 are the main festivals in January which bring more enthusiasm and diverse culture together in the new year.
REFERENCES :-
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohri
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makar_Sankranti
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day_(India)
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongal_(festival)
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