India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the most vibrant aspects of its cultural tapestry is the celebration of spring harvest festivals.These spring harvest festivals not only celebrate the abundance of nature but also embody the cultural heritage and rich traditions of India, fostering unity, joy, and communal harmony among its diverse populace.
Here's a glimpse into four prominent spring harvest festivals celebrated across different regions of India in 2024:
Baisakhi:
Celebrated predominantly in the northern state of Punjab and parts of Haryana, Baisakhi marks the onset of the harvest season and the Sikh New Year. It holds special significance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Baisakhi falls on April 14th and is celebrated with fervent enthusiasm, featuring vibrant processions, traditional dances like Bhangra and Giddha, and religious rituals at gurdwaras.
Bohag Bihu:
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year festival celebrated in the northeastern state of Assam. It coincides with the beginning of the Assamese calendar month of Bohag (usually mid-April). Bohag Bihu marks the onset of the Assamese New Year and the agricultural season. The festival is characterized by traditional folk dances, such as the Bihu dance, feasting on traditional delicacies, and cultural programs.
Vishu:
Vishu is a spring festival celebrated with much gusto in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Observed on the first day of the Malayalam calendar month of Medam (typically in mid-April), Vishu signifies the dawn of a new year and the onset of the spring season. The festival is marked by the Vishukkani, an arrangement of auspicious items like rice, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which is seen as the first sight upon waking up. Families visit temples, exchange gifts, and partake in sumptuous feasts to usher in prosperity and blessings for the year ahead.
Puthandu:
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year or Tamil Puthandu, is celebrated by the Tamil community in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and by Tamil-speaking people worldwide. Falling on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (usually in mid-April), Puthandu heralds the start of the Tamil calendar year. The day begins with ritualistic prayers, followed by visits to temples and family gatherings. Homes are adorned with kolam (rangoli) designs, and traditional dishes like mango pachadi and vadai are prepared to mark the occasion.
