India is a land of festivals, where every season is welcomed with grand celebrations, vibrant rituals, and a culinary spread that could put any banquet to shame. Among these, harvest festivals hold a special place, honouring nature’s bounty and the toil of farmers. Each region celebrates the harvest in its unique way, weaving together stories of gratitude, joy, and abundance.
No matter where you are, you can partake in the harvest festivals of India across different states. Pongal (Tamil Nadu)Down south, Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal, a four-day celebration dedicated to the Sun God and agriculture. The festival is synonymous with freshly harvested rice bubbling in a pot of milk and jaggery as people shout “Pongalo Pongal!” Villages are adorned with kolams (rangoli designs), and bull-taming contests (the famous and controversial Jallikattu) add an adrenaline rush to the festivities.
Lohri (Punjab) One of the most vibrant festivals in India, Lohri in Punjab is a feast that has to be experienced at least once! On the coldest nights of January, families and friends gather around roaring bonfires, singing folk songs and dancing bhangra. The rituals include tossing sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts into the fire as offerings, followed by a feast of makki di roti and sarson da saag. Makar Sankranti (Across India) From Gujarat to Bengal, Makar Sankranti is a pan-India affair.
In Gujarat, the skies turn into a battleground of colourful kites, with rooftop parties fueled by undhi.
