As we enter into 2019, it’s time to look forward to the first and foremost festival celebrated. Yes, the festival of harvest is around the corner, and is going to be the first celebration of the calendar year! Whether or not you are a travel freak, if you are looking forward to experience the best foods of the season and other incredible activities, consider heading out to these wonderful Indian destinations that have a lot to offer you!
Lohri in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR
Lohri marks the end of winter season and beginning of the new harvest season. Plan your travel to the incredible lands of Punjab and witness Lohri festivities which involve interesting rituals like dancing around the bonfires in the night and tossing sesame seeds, rice, corn & jaggery into the flames.
Also, get-set-ready to sing and dance to the tune of Lohri songs and see men & women perform the folk dance forms- Bhangra & Giddha respectively. Not to mention, the traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarso Ka Saag and Makke Ki Roti, the Lohri special feast like gajjak, peanuts, til k laddu & other seasonal goodies are sure to leave you craving for more!
Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Indulge in the 4-day long hearty Pongal fervour and you will experience the best of January. On the first day, called as Bhogi Pongal, people worship Lord Indra, the god of rain and throw away the useless household items & old clothes.
On Thai Pongal, the second and the most significant day, a traditional ritual is performed where rice and milk are boiled in earthen pots and allowed to overflow. On the third day, Mattu Pongal, you will find cows decked with bells, beads, flowers & are worshipped. On the last day, called as Kaanum Pongal, women pray for the prosperity of their brothers and feed cooked rice to birds.
Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, Maharashtra
One of the most celebrated festivals of India, it marks the entry of the sun in the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). From indulging in Patang Bazi, taking a holy dip in the sacred river to savouring Puran Poli or greeting each other by saying ‘tilgud ghya god god bola’; Makar Sankranti is all about festivities! Want to witness those large number of kites colouring the vast light blue skies? Then, brace yourselves and Makar Sankranti is the right time to plan a trip to Gujarat & Maharashtra.
Magh Bihu in Assam
Magh Bihu marks the end of winter solstice month and is a major harvest festival celebrated in Assam. The celebrations involve feasts, bonfires, traditional Assamese games such as tekeli bhonga, bull fighting and a lot more! Erecting huts made from bamboo, leaves & thatch during this time is a common sight. Moreover, a variety of traditional food made of rice and vegetables is prepared. Some of these delicacies include Shunga Pitha, Til Pitha, Pithas and there’s lot more for you to enjoy!
So, plan your travel to these amazing destinations to soak in the Lohri festivities and give a perfect start to your New Year!
