Major Festivals in India Celebrated Alongside Bhogali Bihu

Makar Sankranti is a festival based on an astronomical event transition of the Sun from the Sagittarius to the Capricorn constellation. It marks the change of season and is organised by worshipping the Sun God. It is an important celebration of the Hindus and the Buddhists. Although it is celebrated in different forms in different parts of the country, Makar Sankranti Melas or Bazars are generally organised in many states.

Magh Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. After the harvest of paddy and the seasonal vegetables following the local market, the Assamese public celebrates this event by organising feasts and community meals on the eve of Magh Bihu. Because it has to do with food and feasting, another name of this festival is Bhogali Bihu.

Organised mainly by the Punjabi community in the Northern part of India, Lohri is organised to celebrate the passion of the winter season and welcome the upcoming spring season. It is also an occasion when people meet their family members and celebrate together.

Pongal is the main festival of the Tamil community of India and Sri Lanka. It is celebrated over three or four days to mark the end of the winter solstice. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal are the first three days of the festival while some people celebrate the fourth day of Pongal known as Kanum Pongal.

Sankranti celebration in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is similar to the celebration in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The first day of the celebration is Bhogi, a part of the celebration that involves the discarding and burning of several old and useless items present in the household. Bhogi Pallu is a custom of pouring a mixture of fruits, flowers, cash and valuables are poured over the children. The children accept the money and fruits as gifts.