January is the month when the everlasting zeal is seen in cultural festivals and events. There is a plethora of traditional festivals, music and dance festivals, parades, and a lot more you would surely want to be a part of. Here are the best festivals and events that the first month of the year has to offer:
Lohri – January 14, 2024
The joyous festival of Lohri is a celebration of the commencement of the harvest season. Mainly celebrated in Punjab and other parts of North India by Sikh and Hindu communities, the festival involves lighting a holy bonfire, offering prayers, and dance performances. The fire signifies passing of winters, the long nights and welcomes summer, the longer days.
Makar Sankranti – January 15, 2024
As the sun begins to move towards the north, bringing longer days and warmer nights, India prepares to celebrate the joyous and festive occasion of Makar Sankranti.
This auspicious Hindu harvest festival marks an important turning point in the astronomical and agricultural cycles. It is celebrated across India to honour Lord Surya, the Sun God, as the sun enters Makara.
The festival of Sankranti holds deep spiritual significance. To seek blessings for good health and a bountiful harvest, devotees perform Sankranti rituals such as taking holy dips in rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna to symbolise the washing away of sins and the start of a fresh year, offering Naivedhya (a food offering to Lord Surya), contributing to charity or Dakshina to represent the desire for people to live in peace and harmony.
Pongal – January 15, 2024
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in the South to thank nature. Cooking the Pongal dish, making rangolis, dancing, and getting together with families are some of the highlights of this festival. Celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is all about love and happiness.
Magh Bihu – January 15, 2024
The Magh Bihu festival of Assam is celebrated with zeal by its entire populace. Characterized by merry-making and feasting, this festival marks the end of the harvesting season when everything is abundant. This is when the hard-working agricultural folk of the state sit down to reap the benefits of their labor. However, it must be pointed out that the Magh Bihu festival is not limited to the agricultural pockets of the state. From the smallest villages to the big towns and cities of Assam, people celebrate this festival with great joy, though it must be mentioned that the mode of celebration differs from the villages to the cities.
The Magh Bihu is also referred to as Bhogali Bihu or food festival and is celebrated in January.
Republic Day of India – January 26, 2024
Celebrated to honour, The Constitution of India, Republic Day is a national festival involving a spectacular parade showcasing the three divisions of Indian Forces: Army, Navy, and Airforce in the capital city.
