India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is adorned with a rich tapestry of harvest festivals that vary from state to state. These celebrations, rooted in the agricultural heritage of each region, showcase the unique customs, rituals, and culinary delights that define the local culture. In this article, we will explore the List of Harvest Festival of India as it unfolds across different states, highlighting the beauty of unity in diversity.
List of Harvest Festival of India with States
Here, we have listed the harvest festivals of India with dates that people celebrate with pomp and excitement. Have a look!
| HARVEST FESTIVALS OF INDIA | |||
| S.N. | NAME | STATE | MONTH |
| 1 | Makar Sankranti | Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab | January |
| 2 | Lohri | Punjab | January |
| 3 | Vishu | Kerala and Karnataka | April |
| 4 | Pongal | Tamil Nadu | January |
| 5 | Laddakh Harvest Festival | Ladakh, Zanskar, Kargil | January |
| 6 | Basant Panchami | North India | February |
| 7 | Holi | All Over India | February-March |
| 8 | Ugadi | Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh | March-April |
| 9 | Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh | April |
| 10 | Baisakhi/Vaisakhi | Punjab and Haryana | April |
| 11 | Bhogali Bihu | Assam | April |
| 12 | Dree Festival | Arunachal Pradesh | July |
| 13 | Hareli | Chhattisgarh | July-August |
| 14 | Onam | Kerala | August-September |
| 15 | Nuakhai | Odisha | August-September |
Short Introduction: Indian Harvest Festivals
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated harvest festivals in India. The festival is celebrated in January. Makar Sankranti is considered to be the most auspicious day for Hindus. People take a dip in the holy water of the Ganga River, praying for good luck to come their way. This festival is important because it is also the Sun festival of India. Know more about the Sun Festival in India.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names in different regions. The festival diversity of India can be easily seen during the Makar Sankranti celebration.
Lohri: Harvest Festival of Punjab
Lohri is one of the harvest festivals of Punjab but the festival is celebrated all over north India. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. Lohri is celebrated by setting huge bonfires and gathering around them to perform small rituals and express their gratitude to God. The festival is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti.
Baisakhi: Harvest Festival of Punjab
Baisakhi is a vibrant harvest festival in Punjab. The festival is celebrated as the Indian Thanksgiving wherein the farmers thank the Lord for a prosperous and fruitful previous year and pray for an even more prosperous harvest next year. The festival is celebrated with lively Bhangra dances, processions, and the consumption of traditional dishes. The festival also has religious significance for the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa on this day. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and the rhythms of Dhol and Bhangra.
Ladakh Harvest Festival
Ladakh Harvest Festival is an integral part of the entire year in Ladakh and is celebrated all across the areas of Zanskar Valley and Ladakh. The day is celebrated to commemorate Buddha, his teachings, and the positive influence he had on the people of Ladakh. With the beginning of this harvest festival in India, Ladakh looks bright, lovely, and stunning. The pilgrimage to Thangka is made on this auspicious occasion and this day, Ladakh looks even more stunning than ever. The monasteries are decorated beautifully and are visited by tourists and monks every year.
Pongal: Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu
Pongal is a popular South Indian harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. Pongal is celebrated over four days. The festival marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai which is considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year. Farmers celebrate this festival with Tamil culture and perforation rituals by making Pongal, which is also the name of the sweet dish made of boiled rice. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature, and the various farm animals who help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. Know more:- Pongal- Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu
Ugadi: Harvest Festival of Andhra, Telangana and Karnataka
Ugadi is another popular South Indian harvest festival. It is the New Year celebration in Andhra, Telangana, and Karnataka. The festival is observed on the first day of the Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar and typically falls in March or April as in the Gregorian calendar.
The day is observed by drawing Rangoli, decorating the house with mango leaves, buying new clothes, giving food or clothes to the poor, special oil baths, preparing delicacies like pachadi, and visiting a temple. The festival is also celebrated as Yugadi in Karnataka. Know more about Ugadi Festival.
Onam: Harvest Festival of Kerala
Onam is the famous harvest festival of Kerala. This festival is marked by the grand Onam Sadhya, a feast served on banana leaves, and cultural performances like Kathakali dance. The festival is celebrated over 10 days. Know more about the Onam- Harvest Festival of Kerala
Nuakhai: Harvest Festival of Odisha
Nuakhai is a famous harvest festival of Odisha state in India. This is a festival of feasting and gratitude for the new rice harvest. This festival is celebrated on the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in August or September every year.
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland)
Hornbill Festival in Nagaland showcases the rich cultural heritage of the state through music, dance, and traditional games.
Bihu: Harvest Festival of Assam
Bihu is the popular Harvest Festival of Assam. The festival is a traditional New Year celebration of Assamese. During the month-long celebrations, young men and women wear their traditional clothes and perform the Bihu dance in the village fields and courtyards. The key attractions of the Bihu festival are the Bihu dance, local cuisine, coconut Ladoo, Til Pitha, Ghila Pitha, and Fish Pitaka.
Conclusion
Harvest festivals are not only celebrated in India but across the world. All these festivals are based on their local harvest season. Those regions which are involved in agricultural practices plan their respective harvest seasons. Some of the countries that celebrate harvest festivals include Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand, Israel, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Festivals have always been the memorable parts of a traveller’s journey. India is a colourful nation, and a lot of festivals are celebrated every year. Among these festivals Harvest Festival of India also add happiness and joy to people’s life. The festivities not only bring people from different backgrounds but also turn the country into an alluring carnival, always having something new to offer to its tourists and visitors
