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Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Harvest Festivals of India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

Introduction.

India, a land of diverse cultures, celebrates numerous harvest festivals. These festivals mark the joy of harvest and are a way to thank nature.

Pongal, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is a four-day festival. It involves cooking Pongal, a sweet dish, in a traditional clay pot as a tribute to the Sun God.

Lohri, celebrated in Punjab, involves a bonfire, singing, and dancing. It is a celebration of the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice.

Baisakhi, another Punjabi festival, marks the start of the harvest season. It also has religious significance for Sikhs.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India, involves kite flying. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn).

These festivals, while celebrating the bounty of nature, also bring communities together, reinforcing unity and harmony.

250 Words Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is known for its myriad of vibrant festivals. Among these, harvest festivals hold a special place, celebrating the bounty of nature and the hard work of farmers. These festivals, while region-specific, share a common thread of gratitude, joy, and community spirit.

Significance of Harvest Festivals

Harvest festivals in India are not merely about the celebration of crops; they are an embodiment of the deep-rooted agrarian culture and a tribute to nature’s generosity. They symbolize hope, prosperity, and the cyclical rhythm of life. They are a time for communities to come together, share their joys, and express gratitude to the divine for a successful harvest.

Regional Variations

India’s harvest festivals are as diverse as its geography. In the North, Lohri marks the arrival of longer days after winter solstice. The Punjabi festival is characterized by bonfires, singing, and dancing. Makar Sankranti, celebrated in many parts of India, signifies the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

In the South, Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It involves cooking the first rice of the season as an offering to the Sun God. Bihu in Assam is another significant harvest festival that marks the end of the harvesting season in the region.

Harvest festivals in India are a confluence of culture, tradition, and gratitude. They are a testament to the country’s agrarian roots and a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between man and nature. Despite regional variations, the essence of these festivals remains the same – to celebrate life’s bounty and express gratitude for nature’s gifts.

500 Words Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is renowned for its numerous festivals. Among these, harvest festivals hold a special place. These celebrations not only mark the end of the agricultural cycle but also express gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest. They are a manifestation of the deep-rooted agrarian culture of India, showcasing the country’s cultural richness.

The Significance of Harvest Festivals

Harvest festivals are an integral part of the Indian socio-cultural fabric. They are not merely about celebrating the yield; they are a tribute to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. These festivals are an expression of gratitude towards nature’s bounty and an affirmation of man’s dependence on natural resources. They also serve as a platform for community bonding, as people come together to celebrate, irrespective of their social status or religious beliefs.

Pongal: The Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu

Pongal, celebrated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous harvest festivals in India. It is a four-day event that commences in mid-January. Each day has its unique significance, with rituals dedicated to the Sun God, cattle, and family ancestors. The festival derives its name from the traditional dish ‘Pongal,’ made from freshly harvested rice, cooked in milk and jaggery. The dish symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Baisakhi: The Harvest Festival of Punjab

Baisakhi, celebrated in the northern state of Punjab, marks the harvest of the rabi (winter) crops. It is also significant for the Sikh community as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. On this day, people participate in processions, dances like Bhangra and Gidda, and community feasts. The festival is a vibrant display of the state’s agricultural prosperity and its rich cultural heritage.

Makar Sankranti: A Pan-Indian Celebration

Makar Sankranti, observed in various parts of India, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This festival celebrates the harvest of winter crops and is known by different names such as Lohri, Poush Sankranti, and Uttarayan across different regions. Traditions include kite flying, bonfires, feasts, and charitable acts, reflecting the diversity of Indian culture.

Harvest festivals in India are a testament to the country’s agrarian roots and cultural diversity. They are a celebration of life, nature, and agricultural abundance, fostering community spirit and reinforcing the bond between humans and the environment. These festivals are not just about merriment and feasting but are a reminder of our responsibility to respect and preserve nature. They emphasize the importance of sustainability and the need to maintain a balanced relationship with our environment. Ultimately, these festivals are a tribute to the indomitable spirit of farmers, the backbone of India’s agrarian economy, and the custodians of its food security.

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  • 18 Popular And Vibrant Harvest Festivals Of India In 2024

India is popularly known as the land of festivals which is considered as a colorful nation where people celebrate with full vigor and joy. India has 29 states and every state celebrates harvest festivals at different times in the year. The first yield of the crop is a delight for the people and they celebrate it cheerfully as a festival.

Festivals have always been the most memorable and favorite part of a traveler’s journey through different countries and continents. Being the colorful nation that India is, the most vibrant harvest festivals of India involve interesting mythological legends and joyous celebrations. They are as incredible and diverse as its people and landscapes and let you experience the beauty of the Indian culture. However, dates for harvest festivals in different parts of the country vary due to diversity in climate. See the list of harvest festivals in India, may it be north, east, west, or south!

Harvest Festivals Of India Calendar

The list is vast as there are various cultures in India. With such an amazing set of variety, there are several ways to celebrate the harvest. Here is the list of harvest festivals of India with the dates on which they are celebrated. Take a look!

18 Harvest Festivals Of North India

Here is a list of the different harvest festivals in India that you might be interested to know about for having a vibrant experience when you are on a vacation in North India. Take a look!

1. Makar Sankranti – An Auspicious Day For Hindus

Makar Sankranti is harvest festivals of India

Image Credit: Kaushik Patel for Wikimedia Commons

Celebrated all over the country, Makar Sankranti is the oldest and the most colorful harvest festival in India. It is also the most celebrated harvest festival of North India making it the top harvest festival of Uttar Pradesh. As per Hindu mythology, this festival marks the end of an unfavorable phase and the beginning of a holy phase. Particularly in villages of Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Himachal, West Bengal, and Punjab, people celebrate the harvest of new crops with a bonfire, carnivals, songs, dances, kite flying, and rallies. Kumbh Mela is one of the key attractions during this festival. There are three dates for this festival in which most pilgrims participate and this festival lasts for three months in a year.

Where is Makar Sankranti celebrated: Pan India in different ways but mainly in the north Key attractions of Makar Sankranti festival: Kumbh Mela and various sumptuous sweet dishes made of sesame and jaggery Date: 15th January 2023 (Sunday)

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2. Baisakhi – Celebrating With The Rhythms Of Dhol And Bhangra

Baisakhi is harvest festival of Punjab

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People of Punjab and Haryana celebrate Baisakhi festival or Vaisakhi by thanking God for the good harvest. And the farmers of the country express their happiness and delight through this Indian harvest festival. People wear their best colorful dresses, sing the happiest songs, and dance to the melodious beats of Dhol . It is the most loved harvest festival of Punjab . Baisakhi fairs are also organized where acrobatics, wresting, algoza , and vanjli performances can be seen which makes it one of the most interesting harvest festivals celebrated in India.

Where is Baisakhi celebrated: Punjab and Haryana Key attractions of Baisakhi festival: Bhangra by menfolk and Gidda by women Date: 14th April 2023

3. Ladakh Harvest Festival – Buddhist Tradition At Its Best

mask dance during Ladakh Harvest Festival

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Ladakh Harvest Festival has gained immense popularity and fame all over the world. Ladakh looks bright, beautiful, and absolutely stunning with the commencement of this harvest festival. Monasteries and stupas are decorated and pilgrimages to Thangka of Kyabje Gombo are mandatory things as a part of this celebration. Archery along with old social & cultural ceremonies and art & handicrafts are the other features of the event. The festivals of Ladakh attracts travelers from across the world with their exclusive experiences. While visiting this destination, you must enjoy this unique festival of harvest in India.

Where Ladakh Harvest Festival celebrated: Ladakh, Zanskar, Kargil Key attractions of Ladakh Harvest Festival: Dramas or ‘Chhams’ are performed to display life and teachings of Buddha and different dance forms of Tibetan culture Date : 1st September to 15th September 2023

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4. Lohri – A Punjabi Folk Festival

Lohri festival in punjab

Lohri is a renowned harvest festival in Punjab that showcases traditional dance and songs. To kill the chills of winter, the entire family and neighbors gather around the bonfire and sing together and offer grains, corns, and nuts to respect and appreciate the grand harvest of sugarcane crops.

Where is Lohri celebrated: Punjab Key attractions of Lohri festival: The Punjabi folklore Sunder Mundriye sung by everyone Date: 14th January 2023 (Saturday)

5. Basant Panchami – To Celebrate Birth Of Goddess Saraswati

Basant Panchami is One of the most popular harvesting festivals of India

One of the most popular harvesting festivals of India, Basant Panchami marks the onset of the spring season. Celebrated in different states of North India, it is considered an auspicious day. This festival is associated with yellow color, which is a color of spirituality. One can see the magnificent mustard crop fields in the countryside, especially rural areas of Haryana and Punjab.

Key attractions of Basant Panchami festival : Indian cuisines like Meethe Chawal, Maake ki Roti, and Sarso Ka Saag Where is Basant Panchami celebrated: Eastern parts of India West Bengal & Bihar Date : 26th Janurary 2023 (Thursday)

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Harvest Festivals Of North-East India

Here is a list of the harvest festivals of North East India that will give you a heart-warming experience while exploring India. Take a look!

6. Bhogali Bihu – Of Bliss And Cheerfulness

Bihu festival in Assam

Image Credit: Vikramjit Kakati for Wikimedia Commons

Every year in January, the entire state of Assam showcases enthusiasm and delight in celebrating Bhogali Bihu. The farmers of Assam celebrate and cherish the efforts of cultivation and reap the benefits. The celebration starts one night before with Uruka—the community feast. On the day of Bihu, the mejis or pavilion made of clay and hay are burnt. Local women wear stunning mukhlas and participate in group songs and dance. Also known as Magh Bihu, this is an exotic and most vibrant name on the list of harvest festivals of India.

Where is Bihu celebrated: Assam Key attractions of Bihu festival: Bihu dance, bullfight, bird fight and Sunga Pitha, Til Pitha and Laru Date: 15th January 2023 (Sunday)

7. Wangala – Echoes Of Drums And Songs Everywhere

Wangala is harvest festivals of India

Image Credit: Visma kumar for Wikimedia Commons

Wangala is the merriment of 100 drums played by Garo tribes of northeast India. This is one of the popular harvest festivals of India marking the onset of winter. During this festival, Sun God is worshiped with immense devotion and zeal. Women wear their traditional colorful clothes and dance during this harvesting festival while men rhythmically drum their fingers on the traditional drum pads.

Where is Wangala celebrated: Meghalaya and Assam Key attractions of the Wangala festival: Musical extravaganza with drums, flutes, and gongs Date: 10th November 2023 (Friday)

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8. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem – The Dance Festival Of Meghalaya

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival in Meghalaya

Image Credit: Scipio African for Wikimedia Commons

The inhabitants of Khasi hills worship Goddess Ka Blei Synshar and celebrate the plentiful harvest with vigour and excitement. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem brings ultimate joy and happiness to the community. The celebration comprises of animal sacrifice and Nongkrem dance with a sword in one hand and yak hair whisk in the other. Unlike different unusual festivals in India , this festival is quite popular among the people of Meghalaya and widely celebrated.

Where is Ka Pomblang Nongkrem celebrated: Meghalaya Key attractions of Ka Pomblang Nongkrem festival: Pemblang ceremony and Ceremony of Tangmuri Date: 2nd or 3rd week of November

Festivals In East And West India

Here is a list of the harvest festivals of East and West India that will let you absorb the culture of the country and give you a soul-stirring experience. Take a look!

9. Nuakhai – Worship Of Food Grains

sand art promoting Nuakhai festival

Nuakhai is an age-old harvest celebration in Odisha. Locally ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’ means food. This is not only a popular harvest festival in India  but also celebrated to appreciate the passing away of the past and evil days while welcoming the new and beautiful with open arms. The festival is also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat.

Where is Nuakhai celebrated: Orissa Key attractions of Nuakhai festival: The delicious Arsaa Pitha (sweet pancakes) Date: 20th September 2023 (Wednesday)

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10. Gudi Padwa – A Springtime Ceremony

Gudi Padwa festival in Maharashtra

Gudi Padwa is a grand harvest festival of Maharashtra marking the beginning of an auspicious New Year. People make rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes and decorate them with flowers and a handmade doll. Folks meet friends and relatives, exchange wishes, and women cook sweets like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, and Sunth Paak.

Where is Gudi Padwa celebrated: Maharashtra Key attractions of Gudi Padwa festival: Local people make Gudi (bamboo doll) using mango and neem leaves and hang them at the entrance. Date: 22nd March 2023 (Wednesday)

11. Nabanna – The Festival Of The New Harvest

Nabanna festival in West Bengal

Nabana is amongst one of the crop festivals of India which is famous for the paddy plantation harvest. This is one of the most celebrated traditions of Bengal, where new rice is harvested with sheer joy and stocked in homes. Farmers from Bengal cheerfully participate in this harvest ritual in the Bengali month of Agrahayan and offer the first grains to Goddess Lakshmi while thanking her for all blessings. West Bengal Tourism has taken initiative to welcome tourists from around the country.

Where is Nabanna celebrated: West Bengal Key attractions of Nabanna festival: Payesh (Kheer) made from the newly harvested rice and Nabanna fair. Date: 15th April 2023 (Saturday)

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Harvest Festivals Of South India

Here is a list of the harvest festivals that are celebrated in South India that will help you know the history and culture of south India. Take a look!

12. Onam – The Harvest Festival Of India

Onam festival in Kerala

Image Credit: Jiteshgt for Wikimedia Commons

Onam festival is a legendary harvest festival of Kerala celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of Kerala. The festival is celebrated for 10 days with the arrival of Mahabali. To relish the successful harvest, Malayalee people decorate their house entrance with floral rangoli, wear new traditional clothes, women cook delicious food, and celebrate with traditional music and dance.

When and where is Onam celebrated: Some regions of Kerala Key attractions of Onam festival: Traditional Kerala cuisine recipes like Rasam, Payasam, Avial, brown rice, and parippu curry are offered to guests in traditional green leaf, snake boat race, and tiger dance are also exciting to watch. Date: 20th August 2023 (Sunday) to 31st August 2023 (Thursday)

13. Pongal – Displaying Gratitude To Mother Nature

pongal festival in Tamil Nadu

Pongal is another name for Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated during the same time in various cities of Tamil Nadu. This is a thanksgiving celebration where people express their deep gratitude to mother nature for the produce of the year. This is one of the most colorful harvest festivals of India celebrated for 4 days. It is amongst the most popular festivals of Tamil Nadu .

The first day is the Bhogi Festival devoted to Lord Indra for an abundance of rain. On the second day, newly harvested rice and milk are cooked outdoor and offered to Sun God. The third day is for cattle worship and on the fourth day, Pongal or traditional colored rice is offered with turmeric, betel leaf, and betel nuts.

Where is Pongal celebrated: Tamil Nadu Key attractions of Pongal festival: Decorated houses with Kolam, the bull-taming contests, a bonfire with agricultural wastes, and worship for the family’s prosperity Date: 15th January 2023 (Sunday) to 18th January 2023 (Wednesday)

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14. Ugadi – A Festival To Thank The Deity

Ugadi Festival in Andhra Pradesh

Ugadi is a regional New Year celebration for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This harvest festival is considered auspicious to start new work and ventures. On the day, local people take an oil bath, wear traditional clothes, decorate homes with earthen lamps and rangoli, and perform Ugadi puja at home.

Where is Ugadi celebrated: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Key attractions of Ugadi festival: The Ugadi delicacies like Ugadi Pachadi, Pulihora, and Bobbatlu are prepared with raw mango, jaggery, neem, and tamarind. Date: 22nd March 2023 (Wednesday)

15. Vishu – The Day Of Worshiping Lord Krishna

the Day Of Worshiping Lord Krishna

Image Credit: MKChandran for Wikimedia Commons

Grand worship of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, elaborate family lunch, evening prayers, and fireworks sum up the complete picture of the Vishu festival. This is an interesting harvest festival celebrated on the first day of Malayalee New Year. Women of the house prepare Vishukkani—varieties of traditional cuisine to offer to Gods—, with rice, golden lemon, golden cucumber, jackfruit, yellow konna flowers, and betel leaves.

Where is Vishu celebrated: Kerala and Karnataka Key attractions of Vishu festival: Kani Kanal—the first holy sight of Vishnu and the Sadya—the grand mid-day meal spread Date: 15th April 2023 (Saturday)

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16. Agera – Famed As The Thanksgiving Sunday

Agera festival paddy field

Image Credit: 青空白帆 for Wikimedia Commons

Agera is one of the crop festivals of India celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Mumbai. Celebrated on the first Sunday of October in the regions of Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Vasai, it marks the harvest season of Maharashtra when Catholic locals thank “thank God for the abundance of blessings received”. It is also sometimes called the ‘Thanksgiving Sunday’ and is characterized by a lively procession to the nearest paddy field where a priest blesses the farm and plucks a few sheaves. The procession is accompanied by music and dance. Various food stalls are set up outside churches where the blessed paddy is finally brought before being distributed to the participants.

Where is Agera celebrated: Mumbai Key Attractions of Agera festival: One of the priests showers the blessings on the field and harvest a few rice stalks. After then the rice stalks are taken to the church with sounds of the village band in a palki. Date: 1st October 2023 (Sunday)

17. Dree Festival – An Eminent Festival Of Apatani Tribe

Dree Festival in Arunachal Pradesh

The Dree Festival is among the most famous festivals in Arunachal Pradesh as it marks an important time of the year for the Apatani tribe – the harvest season. Characterized by sacrificial offerings and prayers, Dree is celebrated on the 5th of July every year in the Ziro district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The festival is celebrated with utmost joy by people of all walks of life who dress up in traditional clothes. Locals perform traditional dance and music numbers while others enjoy a feast of tangy rice and millet beer. Other than this, the three-day festival is also marked by various games and sports that the locals and onlookers are entertained with. The entire ritual is carried out to pray before the four Gods – Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi – so that the Apatanis can be blessed with a bountiful harvest season.

Where is Dree festival celebrated: Arunachal Pradesh Key Attractions of Dree festival: The festival is celebrated with traditional singing and dance during which five of the main deities are worshipped such as Tamu, Medvr, Metw, Mepin and Danyi. Date: 5th July 2023 (Wednesday)

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18. Holi: Festival Of Color And Water

India is the best places to go for Holi

Image Credit: Narender9 for Wikimedia Commons

Holi is one of the colorful harvest festivals of India is celebrated with great enthusiasm and in all good spirits. Holi represents the essence of India and vibrancy as the festival is celebrated with great grandeur and splendor. Holi is one of the renowned harvest festivals of India known for colors and water. The essence behind the festival is that it is celebrated for 2 days that is 1 st day is for a bonfire to commemorate Holika’s sacrifice and the second day is when people play with colors and water and celebrate Holi with all vigor and joy. Holi in Mathura is one of the best places to witness the true essence of this festival.

Where is Holi celebrated: Barsana, Mathura & Vrindavan Key Attractions of Holi festival: The festival is celebrated, playing with a lot of varied colors. Date: 8th March 2023 (Wednesday)

Further Read: 36 Most Famous Festivals Of India You Must Experience

You must attend at least a few of the harvest festivals of India in different states. You’ll be amazed to witness the great diversity of this gorgeous land. Taking a trip to these Indian states during their harvest festivals will help you learn a great deal about their vivid culture, heritage, and traditions. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Festivals In India

Is Diwali a harvest festival?

No, Diwali is not a harvest festival.

Which is the harvest festival of Bihar?

Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival of Bihar.

Why do we celebrate harvest festivals?

A harvest festival is a celebration of the food that has been grown on the land. It marks that time of the year when all the crops that had been sowed in and cared for round the clock have been harvested.

What is harvest festival of Rajasthan?

Gangaur is the harvest festival of Rajasthan and one of the most colorful and important festivals. It is celebrated throughout the state with great enthusiasm and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri during the month of March/ April.

What is special about the Wangala dance?

The Wangala festival is a carnival to celebrate the harvest season. Prayer is offered to God and celebrated by singing and dancing.

Which are the famous harvest festivals of South India?

Pongal, Onam and Ugadi are the famous harvest festivals of South India. All these festivals help one knows about the culture of South India.

Which states in India celebrate Ugadi festival?

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states in India celebrates Ugadi festival with full zeal and enthusiasm.

What country celebrates the harvest festival?

Mostly regions that are involved in agricultural practices celebrate their respective harvest seasons. Some of the countries that celebrate harvest festivals include Argentina, Indonesia, Thailand, Israel, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

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Harvest Festivals in India: All you need to know

Last updated on November 15, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Harvest festivals

India is popularly known as the “Land of Festivals,” and it is a colourful country where people celebrate with vigour and joy. The first crop yield is a joy for the people, and they celebrate it joyfully as a festival.

As a colourful nation, India’s most vibrant harvest festivals include interesting mythological legends and joyous celebrations. They are as amazing and diverse as its people and landscapes, and they allow you to experience the beauty of Indian culture.

However, due to climatic differences, the dates for harvest festivals vary across the country.

Table of Contents

What is Harvest Festival?

A harvest festival in India is a traditional celebration that marks the end of the growing season and the gathering of crops. It is typically held in the autumn, around the time of the harvest, and may include religious ceremonies, feasts, and festivals.

The specific customs and traditions associated with a harvest festival can vary depending on the region and culture, but they often involve the community coming together to give thanks for a successful harvest and to share in the abundance of the season.

Significance of Harvest Festivals

Harvest festivals have significant cultural, social, and religious significance. Some of the key reasons for their importance include:

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  • Giving thanks: Harvest festivals are often seen as a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and to recognize the hard work and labour that goes into growing crops.
  • Celebrating community: The festival is a time for people to come together as a community to celebrate the end of the growing season. This can also serve as a social and cultural bonding experience for the community.
  • Religious and spiritual significance: Many harvest festivals have religious or spiritual origins and may be linked to ancient agricultural rituals or celebrations.
  • Commemorating the cycle of life and death: Harvest festivals can symbolize the end of the agricultural cycle and the beginning of the end of the year, and they could also symbolize the cycle of life and death.
  • Celebration of abundance: In times of scarcity or hardship, Harvest festivals can be seen as a celebration of abundance and a reminder of the importance of community and sharing resources.

Overall, harvest festivals are deeply rooted in tradition, but also reflect the contemporary values and needs of the people who celebrate them.

Different types of Harvest Festivals in India

India is a diverse country with many different cultures and traditions. As such, there are many different harvest festivals that are celebrated across the country. Some of the most well-known harvest festivals in India include:

1. Pongal in Tamil Nadu

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Sri Lanka. It is typically celebrated in the month of January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.

The name “Pongal” refers to the traditional dish made of boiled rice, lentils, and sweeteners such as jaggery or sugar, which is offered to the gods as a form of gratitude for the bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated to thank the Sun god, the farm animals and nature for their contribution to the harvesting process.

On the first day of the festival, called Bhogi Pongal, people discard old possessions and light a bonfire to signify the start of a new beginning. The second day, known as Surya Pongal, is dedicated to the sun god and is considered the main day of the festival.

People prepare and offer the traditional Pongal dish to the sun god, and also decorate their homes and streets with colourful Rangolis (patterns made on the floor with coloured powders).

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal and it is dedicated to the worship of cows and bulls who are considered the backbone of agricultural activities. The fourth day, called Kannum Pongal, is a day for families and friends to get together and enjoy traditional foods, games, and sports.

Pongal is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and look forward to a prosperous new year.

2. Makar Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as in many other parts of India. The festival typically takes place in January, around the same time as Pongal, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

Makar Sankranti marks the start of the sun’s six-month-long journey northward, which is known as Uttarayana. It is believed that on this day the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), which is why the festival is named Makar Sankranti.

On this day, people take a dip in sacred rivers or lakes, which is considered to be auspicious and purifying. This is followed by praying to the Sun God and offering food to the poor and to the crows, which are considered messengers of Lord Shani.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people prepare special dishes like Pongal, which is a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery, and fly kites as a symbol of the onset of longer days and the victory of good over evil. The festival is also an occasion for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and make new friendships.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and look forward to a prosperous new year.

3. Lohri in Punjab

Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in the Indian state of Punjab, and also in parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. It is typically celebrated in the month of January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.

Lohri marks the end of winter and the start of longer days. It is also associated with the harvest of the Rabi crops, particularly sugarcane and the winter crops of wheat and barley. The festival is celebrated by lighting a bonfire in the evening and performing a traditional dance around it, called the “Bhangra”.

Traditionally, Lohri is celebrated by the farming community and is seen as a time to give thanks for a good harvest and to pray for a bountiful crop in the coming year. On this day, people prepare traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag (mustard greens) and Makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread) and sweets like gajak, rewri and gur-gur pa. People also exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family and enjoy the evening with music, dance and socializing.

The Lohri celebration also includes an age-old tradition of giving money to the newlywed couple and newborn babies, as well as a celebration of the Punjabi culture and traditions, such as songs and dances.

Overall, Lohri is a festive and vibrant celebration that brings people together and marks the end of winter and the start of a new year. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones and to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.

4. Bhogali Bihu in Assam

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. It typically takes place in January, around the same time as Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti, which are similar harvest festivals celebrated in other parts of India.

Bhogali Bihu is celebrated after the completion of the harvesting of the main crops in Assam, such as rice, mustard, and sesame. The festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season and to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

The festival is celebrated for three days, the first day is called Uruka, where people prepare for the festival by building huts made of bamboo, banana leaves, and thatch. On the second day, called Bihu, people offer prayers to the gods and perform traditional dances and songs around the Bihu fire.

The third day is called Maas Sankranti and it is dedicated to celebrating with family and friends, where people exchange sweets, savouries and other delicacies.

On Bhogali Bihu people prepare a traditional feast called “Feast of Fire” consisting of delicacies like fish, meat, and various types of sweets and cakes which are prepared by using ingredients like jaggery, banana, sesame and coconut.

Bhogali Bihu is an important festival in Assam and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the end of the harvesting season. It is also a way to celebrate and preserve the local cultural heritage and customs.

5. Poush Parbon in West Bengal

Poush Parbon is a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is typically celebrated in the month of December or January, usually around the same time as Makar Sankranti, which is a similar harvest festival celebrated in other parts of India.

Poush Parbon marks the end of the harvesting season and is a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated by preparing traditional Bengali dishes such as sweet pitha (made of rice and coconut), payesh (a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and sugar) and many other delicacies. People also exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family and enjoy the day with music, dance and socializing.

On this day, people also offer the first fruits of the season to the gods and decorate their homes with Rangolis (patterns made on the floor with coloured powders) and flowers. Poush Parbon is an important festival in West Bengal and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the end of the harvesting season.

6. Onam in Kerala

Onam is a major annual harvest festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It typically takes place in the month of August or September and is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season.

The festival is celebrated to honour King Mahabali , a beloved ruler who is said to have ruled Kerala during a golden age of peace and prosperity. According to legend, Mahabali was banished to the underworld by the god Vamana but is allowed to visit his people once a year during Onam.

Onam is celebrated over ten days and features a variety of traditional activities and customs. One of the most notable is the Onam Sadya, a grand feast that features a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes and is served on banana leaves. People also participate in traditional sports and games like boat races, bullfights and Onathallu(a martial art form).

Another significant part of Onam is the decoration of the front of homes, known as “Onapookalam,” with intricate flower arrangements, said to be a welcome gesture for King Mahabali. Onam is also marked by elaborate dances, such as the “Thiruvathirakali” and “Kummattikali” which are performed by men and women dressed in traditional attire.

Onam is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala, and it brings together people from all walks of life. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the state.

7. Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra

Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra and also in some parts of Karnataka as the New Year. It typically falls in the month of March or April and marks the beginning of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar.

On Gudi Padwa, a “Gudi” (a kind of a flag or a pot) is hoisted outside the homes and is believed to ward off evil spirits. It is made by a long bamboo pole and decorated with neem leaves, a sugarcane stem, flowers and a garland of mango leaves, a silk scarf and a silver or copper pot.

People also clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods such as shrikhand and puri, wear new clothes and visit temples to seek blessings. It is also a time for people to visit friends and family and exchange gifts and sweets.

In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is celebrated by farmers as the New Year for agricultural activities and the start of the sowing season for the Rabi crops like sugarcane, wheat, and barley. It is also celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.

In Karnataka, it is known as “Ugadi” and is celebrated differently. It is a combination of the start of the new year and the end of the harvest season and is also celebrated by hoisting Gudi.

Overall, Gudi Padwa is an important festival that brings people together and marks the beginning of a new year and the start of the agricultural season. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones, give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and look forward to a prosperous future.

Also read: Cultural significance of religious festivals in India

8. Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka

Ugadi is a major festival celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. It typically falls in the month of March or April and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival is also known as Yugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

On Ugadi, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods such as Ugadi Pachadi (a mixture of six flavours – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, tangy and spicy), wear new clothes and visit temples to seek blessings. It is also a time for people to visit friends and family and exchange gifts and sweets.

One of the most important rituals of Ugadi is preparing and eating the Ugadi Pachadi, which is a dish that is meant to symbolize the six different emotions or experiences (shadruchulu) that one goes through in life: happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise.

Each ingredient of the Pachadi represents these emotions and the dish is meant to remind people that life is a combination of all of these emotions and that one should be prepared for everything.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Ugadi is also celebrated as the first day of the Hindu calendar and is considered the day on which Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe. People engage in various rituals, take a dip in sacred rivers and perform prayers to Lord Brahma, wishing for prosperity and happiness in the new year.

9. Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It typically falls in the month of January and marks the beginning of the Uttarayana or the sun’s northward journey.

Sankranti is also known as Makar Sankranti which is a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

People take a dip in sacred rivers or lakes, offer prayers to the Sun God and exchange sweets and savouries with friends and family. It is also a time to participate in traditional sports and games like kite-flying.

10. Maghi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

Maghi is a festival celebrated in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, typically in the month of January or February. It is a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the winter solstice and the start of the Rabi harvest season.

People prepare and offer traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag and Makki di roti and participate in traditional Punjabi cultural activities like singing and dancing.

11. Laxmi Puja in West Bengal

Laxmi Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. It typically falls in the month of October or November and is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi.

On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional Bengali dishes such as sweet pitha and payesh, and perform puja, or worship, in the evening.

12. Vaisakhi in Punjab, Baisakhi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

Vaisakhi and Baisakhi are two different names for the same festival celebrated in the Indian state of Punjab. It typically falls in the month of April and marks the beginning of the solar New Year according to the Punjabi calendar.

It is also a harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the Rabi crop season and the start of the Kharif crop season. People prepare traditional Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka saag and Makki di roti and participate in traditional Punjabi cultural activities like singing and dancing.

13. Rongali Bihu in Assam

Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. It typically falls in the month of April and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and the start of the agricultural season.

People prepare traditional Assamese dishes such as fish and meat and participate in traditional Assamese cultural activities like singing and dancing.

14. Naba Barsho in West Bengal

Naba Barsho, also known as Pohela Boishakh, is a major festival celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal and also in Bangladesh, it marks the Bengali New Year.

Typically falls in the month of April, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm, people dress in traditional attire, prepare special dishes and visit friends and family. Businesses also open their new accounts on this day.

15. Bisu parba in Karnataka

Bisu parba, also known as Bisu, is a harvest festival celebrated in the state of Karnataka. It is celebrated by the farming community, usually in the month of April, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of the new sowing season.

People prepare traditional dishes and offer prayers to the gods for a bountiful harvest.

16. Nuakhai in Odisha

Nuakhai is an agricultural festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. It typically falls in the month of September and is celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon and the start of the new agricultural season. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and make preparations for the new agricultural year.

Also, read Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav .

Harvest festivals are an important part of the cultural heritage of India, celebrated in different states with unique customs, rituals, and traditions. They are typically celebrated around the same time of the year, usually in the months of September to January and mark the end of the harvesting season and the start of the new agricultural year.

These festivals also serve as a reminder of the importance of agriculture in the lives of people, and the dependence on the land and nature for survival.

The harvest festivals are a way to celebrate, preserve and pass on the cultural heritage and customs of each region, and a reminder of the cycle of life and the connection to the land.

Related article:  New Year Festivals in India

Article Written by: Remya

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short essay on harvest festivals of india

short essay on harvest festivals of india

Harvest Festivals in India, List of Festivals and Significance

Harvest festivals in India, celebrated across diverse states, express gratitude for abundant harvests. Check out the List of Harvest festivals in India

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Table of Contents

India is known for its diverse cultural and religious practices, and Harvest Festivals in India plays a significant role in many regions. These festivals are a way to express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest and are celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy. Each of India’s 28 states celebrates its own harvest festival at different times of the year. The names and places may differ, but the essence remains the same: to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

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What is Harvest Festival?

A harvest festival is a cultural celebration that marks the culmination of the agricultural season and the gathering of crops. It typically involves rituals, ceremonies, and festivities expressing gratitude to nature, deities, or spirits for a successful harvest. These festivals often include traditional practices, feasts, dances, and community gatherings. Harvest festivals are observed worldwide and vary in customs and significance across different cultures, symbolizing the importance of agriculture and the sustenance it provides to communities.

Harvest Festivals in India Overview

Makar sankranti festival.

Description: Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi or Uttarayan, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Celebrated in various parts of India, it signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.

Traditions: People take ritualistic dips in holy rivers, fly kites, and exchange traditional sweets made of sesame and jaggery.

Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi Festival

Description: Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, holds cultural and religious significance for Sikhs and marks the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. It is celebrated in April and marks the harvest season in Punjab.

Traditions: Sikhs participate in Nagar Kirtan processions, visit gurdwaras, and engage in traditional folk dances.

Ladakh Harvest Festival

Description: The Ladakh Harvest Festival celebrates the culmination of the agricultural season in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. It reflects the vibrant culture and agricultural practices of the local communities.

Traditions: Festivities include traditional dances, music, and the display of local arts and crafts.

Lohri Festival

Description: Lohri, predominantly celebrated in North India, marks the winter solstice and the harvest of winter crops. Bonfires are lit, and people gather to sing and dance around them.

Traditions: Offering of peanuts, sesame seeds, and jaggery into the fire symbolizes gratitude for the harvest.

Bohag Bihu Festival

Description: Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is the Assamese New Year celebrated in April. It marks the beginning of the agricultural season and is characterized by vibrant cultural events and feasts.

Traditions: Traditional Bihu dance, feasting on special delicacies, and seeking blessings from elders are integral parts of the celebration.

Wangala Festival

Description: Wangala is the harvest festival of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya, India. It celebrates the completion of the agricultural cycle with vibrant dance, music, and traditional rituals.

Traditions: The highlight is the Wangala dance, performed by men and women, accompanied by rhythmic beats of drums and gongs.

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem Festival

Description: Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is the harvest festival of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya. It is marked by traditional dances and rituals performed to thank the deities for a bountiful harvest.

Traditions: The festival involves the “Pomblang” dance performed by young Khasi men and the offering of sacrifices.

Nuakhai Festival

Description: Nuakhai is an agricultural festival celebrated primarily in Odisha to welcome the new rice harvest. Families come together to offer the first grain of the harvest to their deities.

Traditions: The festival includes rituals, feasting, and the Nuakhai Juhar, where people seek forgiveness and exchange greetings.

Nabanna Festival

Description: Nabanna is a Bengali harvest festival celebrated to express gratitude for the new rice harvest. It is marked by cultural programs, traditional dances, and feasting.

Traditions: Farmers offer the first sheaf of newly harvested paddy to the deities before consuming the new rice.

Onam Festival

Description: Onam is a significant harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, South India. It commemorates the return of the mythical King Mahabali and is marked by colorful festivities and traditional rituals.

Traditions: The ten-day celebration includes the grand Onam Sadya (feast), traditional dances like Kathakali, and the famous boat race, Vallam Kali.

Pongal Festival

Description: Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God. Celebrated over four days, it involves cooking a special dish called Pongal and offering it to the deities.

Traditions: Decorative kolams, traditional music, and cultural events are integral to the celebration.

Vishu Festival

Description: Vishu is the Malayalam New Year celebrated in Kerala. It marks the first day of the Malayalam calendar and is observed with traditional rituals and cultural events.

Traditions: The Vishukani, an arrangement of auspicious items, is viewed as the first sight on the morning of Vishu.

Gudi Padwa Festival

Description: Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year celebrated in Maharashtra. It signifies the beginning of the new lunar year and is observed with traditional rituals and festive activities.

Traditions: The day begins by hoisting the Gudi, a colorful flag, and involves cultural programs, feasting, and family gatherings.

Significance of Harvest Festivals

  • Gratitude: Harvest festivals symbolize gratitude for a bountiful harvest, acknowledging the abundance provided by nature.
  • Unity: These celebrations bring communities together, fostering unity and strengthening social bonds.
  • Cultural Heritage: Harvest festivals preserve and showcase diverse cultural traditions, passed down through generations.
  • Agricultural Cycle: Signifying the end of one agricultural cycle and the beginning of another, these festivals align with the rhythm of nature.
  • Spiritual Connection: Many festivals involve rituals and prayers, establishing a spiritual connection with deities and expressing thanks.
  • Renewal: Harvest festivals mark a time of renewal, with people discarding the old and embracing new beginnings.
  • Joy and Festivity: The festivities, feasts, and cultural activities bring joy, enhancing the overall well-being of communities.

Harvest Festivals in India UPSC

Harvest festivals in India, celebrated across diverse states, express gratitude for abundant harvests. Each state’s unique celebration involves rituals, cultural events, and traditional practices. Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Lohri mark the winter harvest, while festivals like Baisakhi and Bohag Bihu signify spring harvests. These celebrations play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering community unity, and acknowledging the cyclical nature of agriculture. They create a sense of renewal, connecting people spiritually and enhancing the overall joy and festivity in communities.

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Harvest Festivals in India FAQs

What are the 5 harvesting festivals of india.

Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal are some of them.

What is the festival of the new harvest?

Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Baisakhi, Onam, and Lohri

What are the harvest festivals of South India?

Onam, Pongal, Ugadi and Vishu are the harvest festival of the South.

Is Onam a harvest festival?

Onam is an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates rice harvest.

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short essay on harvest festivals of india

Agriculture

Reaping ripe: the story of why we celebrate harvest festivals.

Understanding the diversities of harvest festivals and how they connect us with our environment

short essay on harvest festivals of india

By Richard Mahapatra

Published: friday 14 january 2022.

short essay on harvest festivals of india

The next time you shop for some food — even simple vegetables — mark your emotions. You might experience an inexplicable sense of happiness while laying out the veggies in front of you. 

You might also follow this up briefly by talking about them. You could also feel a strange sense of achievement when the effort symbolised by your shopping basket is recognised.

Psychologists and evolutionary scientists explain this emotion as originating from our  ancestors who were hunter-gatherers. (Psst: Do ask your psychology teacher for some more info on this interesting point).

From foraging food to farms hardly 

10,000 years ago when humans did not form a settled society, the early men and women spent all day foraging for food. At the end of a  tiresome exercise, it was their foodstuffs which comprised the high point of their entire day. They usually celebrated this excitement through a gala dinner among their group — or call it a harvest festival for every day!

Such partying could well be the origin of many harvesting festivals that we now celebrate with  great pomp and gaiety. The only difference being, that unlike the daily Stone Age dinners, we  now celebrate only the first crop harvest of each year. 

The practice of observing such annual or periodic festivities evolved over countless years  along with our agricultural developments. 

Humans started settled cultivation around 9,000 BC. Then onwards, the pre-historic people  developed their farming according to seasons and specific crops. In the Indian subcontinent, two monsoons blessed the flora, thousands of fruits and vegetables flourished the forests, and weeds like paddy colonised the landscape. Thus, eastern India became one of the first places on the planet to domesticate rice.

Over the centuries, humans undertook selective cultivation of several wild crops,  fruits, and vegetables. Their cornucopia forms our current agrarian world and sustains over seven billion people worldwide. Many peoples’ and tribes still collect the undomesticated, wild food plant varieties and even have a set calendar or season to do so. 

Fun and frolics far and wide 

Harvest festivals are quite a commemoration of our evolution into a settled agrarian society.

A conservative listing would have nearly 3,000 such fests being observed around the world;  India alone has over a hundred of them. 

There is not a single country across the globe that doesn’t honour its harvests. Nor is there a single community that doesn’t celebrate such fetes as major cultural events. But their geographical distribution offers interesting aspects: The richer the biodiversity of an area, the higher are the number of its harvest festivals. 

Example: In Arunachal Pradesh in India, the Adi tribe feasts during some 13 harvest festivals. This is understandable as Arunachal is one of the most biodiverse places in our country. Similar is the case of forested states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Over there, one would find a range of 10-15 such festivals, each representing varied agrarian aspects. Their  get-togethers could symbolize the first harvest of a particular food grain, the first day of consuming a particular fruit or vegetable, or even mark the beginning or end of their farming cycles.

In case you did not notice anytime earlier, in most Indian states, there is a day when people  celebrate the first harvest of mango when it is offered to the gods. Similarly, there are first-eat

festivals for radish, beans, pumpkin, and nearly all the major fruits and veggies which are eaten  and enjoyed in different parts of our country.

Thus, in a way, the harvest festivals of a region serve as the agricultural diary of its local communities.

That is why wherever you go, certainly find a harvest festivity. 

Consider this: In May-June each year people in Bali in Indonesia gather for their rice harvest.

In August-September, the Ewe people of Ghana rejoice the arrival of yams, a major crop, after  the end of their rainy season. In October, Thanksgiving, a major harvest carnival, is a time  of merrymaking in Canada and the United States.

In India, too, from January onwards, we have a series of folk harvest festivals known by varied names. I’m sure you would’ve heard of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal,  Uttarayana, Khichdi, Shishur Saenkraat, and Magh Bihu.

The Indian harvest festive season starts from Makar Sankranti, which usually falls on January 14.  This day marks the first day of the Sun's movement from the Tropic of Capricorn towards

the Tropic of Cancer. In other words, it marks the waning of winters and the onset of summers  in the northern hemisphere, where India lies. 

Thought for food

Most crop festivals are predominantly about paddy. Further, most of these occasions also mark an ‘auspicious’ period in which people prefer to fix marriages or similar significant life events. Such a crop-reaping period in an agrarian society is also a time of thriving commerce. That’s when the prosperous and effluent sections tend to spend exuberantly. In fact, not so in the distant past, schools around the country were also closed for what was known as the ‘harvest  holiday’—to enable little kids like you to jump with joy.

In fact, apart from the yield, many tribes also celebrate the collection of seeds after their crops  are reaped. 

These lesser-known festivals are hardly documented but their celebration can still be noticed in remote areas. Recently, the Kutia Kondh tribe of Kandhamal district in Odisha revived their ‘Burlang Yatra,’ a fair held in February-March that focuses on the seeds of  millet, their staple crop.

All these festivals usually involve worshiping the land, honouring the farm tools, and reading  the panchang . The panchang is the traditional Hindu calendar, based on the movements of moon, and holds importance for our agriculture. It is often referred by farmers to plan their sowing and reaping season, learn about the weather and potential climatic events, plan harvest, etc.

If you map the agrarian festivals of India in the Gregorian calendar, it will overflow by nearly  three times with the number of festivals we celebrate per month across our country!

And if you look closely at these fests, you will know exactly how our food ecosystem is closely  integrated with our seasons and climate.

So, more than celebrating our agrarian heritage in the harvest festivals this year, let us express our gratitude to our Mother Earth who provides us for the very food for our survival.

short essay on harvest festivals of india

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Harvest Festivals of India – The Planting of Social and Cultural Landscapes

  • Indian Culture
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Table of contents

Cropping cycles in india, harvesting festivals of india – the philosophies and beliefs, the harvesting festivals – north and south india, food and festivities .

Harvest-Festivals-of-India

The sight of lush green fields is common in India. With almost half of the population engaged in agriculture , India is primarily an agrarian economy. The greenery permeates through the economy to the culture and social fabric of the country. In art, celebrations, decorations or festivals, the presence of farming or agriculture is strongly felt, especially in rural India. And hence it is no wonder that harvesting too finds its place planted in the cultural landscape of the country. 

The harvesting festivals have just gone by. A long weekend of celebrations that the urban population usually associates with vacationing is in fact, highly significant for the farmer and his family. The importance of this agricultural festival is also heightened by the ongoing agitation by farmers in Delhi. The tussle continues between the government and the farmers and the road seems long ahead in terms of any resolution. A few harvesting festivals are yet to come and a few went by as people wished each other on social media painting the different hues of celebrations that are specific to different parts of the country. 

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Crop-Cycle

The crops grown in the country are divided on various parameters. One such is the kharif, ragi and zaid crops. The kharif crops are grown between July to October and depend heavily on the southwest monsoons for its success. The rabi cropping, on the other hand, is between October to March. Some of the kharif crops are maize, rice, millets, bajra, cotton etc. Rabi crops include barley, wheat, oats, mustard, chickpeas etc. Zaid crops are grown from March to June and include vegetables and fruits.

Harvesting of the crops thus differs depending on the type and season of the crops. Kharif crops are usually harvested in September-October and rabi crops in February – April. The first yield or harvest of any crop brings exceptional happiness and joy to the farmer because it is a direct result of his skill and hard work. And hence, harvest festivals are an important and integral way of celebrating the yield and acknowledging the role of both nature and the farmer in providing sustenance for just not themselves, but for others as well. 

The-philosophies-Harvesting-Festivals-of-India

Any celebration in India is fraught with multiple layers of beliefs or rituals. Harvesting festivals are no different. Celebrated across the country and in fact, the world, harvesting festivals are all about thankfulness and gratitude. Whether it’s Thanksgiving in the USA or Canada or the Moon Festival in China, Vietnam, Malaysia etc. the idea behind the celebrations is to be grateful for a yield that can feed and sustain life.

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Pongal

In India, whether it is Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri or Baisakhi the main focus is on respecting food or ‘ann’. There is the understanding that a synchronized and seamless working together of natural elements along with mindful human intervention is the key to a successful yield or harvest. The farmer is well aware that all his skills and hard work might be of no use if nature decides to play havoc. Similarly, with the best of natural providence crops cannot be grown if the farmer doesn’t till the land, sow the seeds, nurture and understand the dynamics of his cropping patterns etc. And therefore, celebrating a harvest is much more than just mere manifestations. It is about a deeper belief and a symbiotic relation that in turn is beneficial to thousands of people.

Tamil-Nadu-Culture

And thus, harvesting festivals remind us of how much nature and man work in tandem to create the most basic of necessities for survival. The mutual respect is evident and more so during the harvesting festivals of India. The natural forces required for a good yield, such as the sun is worshipped. Food is offered to the God’s and a general sense of gratitude and respect prevails.

Also, though agriculture is primarily a rural endeavor the harvest festivals are celebrated with a lot of fervor in urban areas too. Though the cultural and social undertones and expressions may vary, the basic philosophy is understood and celebrated well. 

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Lohri

The harvest festivals are spread across the Indian calendar. In January some of the most celebrated harvested festivals make their way over both north and southern India. 

Lohri, Makar Sankranti , Bihu and Pongal almost always coincide and are celebrated on the same days or a day or two apart. Lohri is celebrated in Punjab with its iconic celebratory image being a bonfire into which grains, nuts, corns etc. are offered as a ritual. There is also singing and dancing especially around the fire. 

Makar Sankranti Festival

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of north India and is one of the most colorful festivals of the country. Also called the Festival of kites one can see colorful kites litter the sky as people make way to their terraces. In fact, kite flying competitions are also held in various states. Uttar Pradesh , Gujarat, Rajasthan are some states that celebrate Makar Sankranti. The famous Kumbh Mela also begins with Makar Sankranti and lasts for three months. 

Harvest-Festivals-of-India Magh Bihu

In January Assam celebrates Bhogali or Magh Bihu. Local traditions in the form of dances and songs fill the atmosphere of the feast and festivities. 

Harvest-Festivals-of-India Baishakhi

Baisakhi is usually celebrated in April in Punjab. In the Punjabi fervor this harvest festival has the renowned Baisakhi fairs which are all about dance, music, wrestling, acrobatics etc. Basant Panchami on the other hand is during February which welcomes the season of spring. The yellow mustard crops are found swaying in the fields at the advent of this festival celebrated in Haryana and Punjab. 

Celebration-of-New-Year-in-Various-Cultures-of-India-Gudipadwa

Gudi Padwa is a Maharashtra harvest festival that brings the onset of the New Year. Homes are decorated with rangolis and dolls and there is an ambience of merriment and meeting up with family and friends. 

Nabana is a popular West Bengal harvest festival where the harvest of new rice is celebrated. The first grains are offered to Lakshmi. In Odisha, Nuakhai is a harvest festival but also celebrates the coming of new over the old.

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Onam

In southern India, Pongal is in fact, just another name for Makar Sankranti in the north. Divided into celebrations over four days, the sun, rain and cattle are worshipped. Special foods are prepared and offered to the deities for the success of the harvest. 

In Kerala Onam marks the state’s harvest festival where traditional dishes are cooked and homes decorated with rangolis. Ugadi is another popular harvest festival of southern India, celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Lohri-Food

Undoubtedly, the celebrations of the harvest festivals are all about prayers and a lot of feasting. A number of traditional dishes are cooked and served during the harvest festivals. The range and variety of dishes vary across the country, but each state or region has its own special cuisines lined up for their respective harvest festivals. Sweet dishes made from jaggery and sesame are the heart of any Makar Sankranti festival. Basant Panchami is all about sarso ka saag and makkai ki roti. Bihu commences with a grand community feast the previous night called Uruka, whereas the absolutely sweet and delicious arsaa pitha from Odisha are the delight of Nuakhai. 

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Gudi-Padwa-Special-Puran_Poli

There is puran poli and srikhand during Gudi Padwa and payesh or kheer during Nabana. Southern India has its own unique delicacies, whether it is payasam, pulihora, Ugadi pachadi or the different sweet and savoury pongal rice preparations.

Besides, the food, the harvest festivals also exude a rich heritage and dose of traditional culture and arts. The music and dances, as well as traditional attires all point towards the connection that the festival has to the traditions of the land. The harvest festivals are celebrated with various decorations, such as rangolis, kites, dolls, sugarcane etc. There are fairs, gatherings and showcasing of different cultural skills during the harvest festivals. 

And thus, this brings to conclusion that the harvest festivals are in fact, the heart of the country’s celebration. Of course, there are many other festivities that are celebrated with much fanfare. Yet, the harvest festivals are in so many ways a perfect coming together of social, cultural and economic nuances.

Harvest-Festivals-of-India-Rangoli

The economy of agriculture is regarded as a means of livelihood and sustenance. And though agriculture is an important occupation it is still largely relegated to the unorganized and rural sector of the nation. And so it is heartening to see that the rural urban divide does break down during the harvest festivals. Yes, the intimacy and depth of celebrations might vary, but the general feeling of gratitude is felt no matter in which part of the country. 

Perhaps, more than ever before this sense of gratitude also needs to be extended to the farming community in general. A community that has been feeding people in rural and urban areas and yet finds themselves very often at the end of spectrum when it comes to respect, status or education. The need of hour, especially in the wake of the farmer protests, is to truly understand what they need and how the economics of trade function. But most importantly, it is to acknowledge that their occupation is intrinsically woven with the traditions and cultures of the land. And in turn, define the core on which the nation stands.

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Thank you for such informative article. It shows the versatile Indian culture. Though the celebration in different form but the purpose of celebration is unique.

Thanks Vandana 🙂

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  • Festivals Of India Essay

Festivals of India Essay

500+ words essay on the festivals of india.

India is a land of fairs and festivals. People of different religions and communities live here and therefore, many festivals are celebrated in India every year. One can capture the Indian tradition and culture best at its fairs and festivals marked by dance, music, sweets, etc. All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in a colourful atmosphere. An Essay on Festivals in India is a very common topic and is expected to be asked in the English exam. So, students are recommended to practise essays on this topic to score high marks in the writing section. This sample Essay on Festivals of India will give them some ideas and tips to organise their thoughts to form an effective essay.

Different Types of Indian Festivals

India is well known for its cultural and traditional festivals all over the world. As it is a secular country full of diversity in religions, languages, cultures and castes, every month, some festival celebration happens. Among these festivals, some are religious, some are based on the seasons and some are of national importance. Each and every festival is celebrated uniquely in different ways according to the various rituals and beliefs. Each festival has its own history, legend and significance of the celebration. Festivals bring bonding, love, cross-cultural exchange and happiness among people.

National Festivals

Festivals and fairs are significant parts of Indian cultural life. Some of the festivals are celebrated at a national level, whereas others are at a regional level. National festivals such as Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by people of all religions across the entire nation. These festivals fill us with great pride and remind us of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to make India independent and free from British rule. The whole nation unites together to celebrate these festivals and the spirit of togetherness, patriotism and nationalism can be found everywhere.

Religious Festivals

There are some religious festivals which are celebrated as a whole by different communities.

These include Diwali, Dussehra, Rakhsha Bandhan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc., which are accompanied by religious rituals of one kind or the other. These traditional festivals have two aspects. One is worship which is performed according to specific religious norms. Another is composite culture, as the members of any community can participate in and celebrate these religious festivals. Thus, our festivals represent unity and encourage social bonding.

Seasonal Festivals

In India, most festivals are seasonal in nature. They announce the change in the season and mark the harvesting seasons. All the seasonal festivals are celebrated during two harvesting seasons, Kharif and Rabi. Besides, spring is another period of seasonal festivals. In Punjab, the Lohri festival indicates the harvesting of the winter crop. Pongal, Bihu and Onam celebrations mark the harvesting of paddy crops. Similarly, Holi and Baisakhi are celebrated to mark the harvesting of new rabi crops. Thus, these festivals symbolise the arrival of joy and wealth to farmers’ lives.

It is said that the “Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals”. India has proved this saying as a variety of festivals are celebrated with full joy and happiness across the country. Different cultures and religions get tied together in bonds of love with invisible threads of celebrations. That’s why India is also known for unity in cultural diversity. Festivals teach us how to fight evil and falsehood and establish the truth. The festivals are marked by fervour, hope, and prayers for a better tomorrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Festivals of India Essay

Why are festivals given so much importance in india.

India has several religions and Indians enjoy celebrating these festivals. Festivals also involve the worship of various deities and also increase the interaction between family members.

What are some of the largely celebrated festivals in India?

Some of the festivals celebrated in India: 1. Diwali 2. Christmas 3. Ramzan 4. Ganesh Chaturthi 5. Dussehra/Vijayadashami

What are some of the values associated with the celebration of festivals?

1. Family bonding and interaction 2. Charity and helping the needy 3. Thanksgiving and showing gratitude

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16 Spectacular Harvest Festivals in India – A Symphony of Cultural Diversity

Festivals across cultures can be seen as outlets to express joy and gratitude. Harvest festivals are about cherishing a good yield and thanking nature for a generous harvest. Isn’t it a nature’s miracle how tiny seeds sown in soil grow into plants and trees that flower and bear fruit? Isn’t it amazing how most of our food comes from the fields!

Harvest festivals are about appreciating this miracle of nature and expressing gratitude towards God for the abundant rich crop. Due to the differences in the climatic conditions and crops grown in different regions of India, the harvest festivals of the country are varied and fall on different times of the year in different Indian states. Here is an insight into the 16 most popular harvest festivals of India.

Festivities of the Fields: How Indians Celebrate the Harvest Season

Makar Sankranti

short essay on harvest festivals of india

It falls around 14th of January each year and is the oldest harvest festival of India, celebrated in Northern and Western regions of the country. On this day, the harvesting of new crops is celebrated with bonfires, carnivals, kite flying and rallies. Kumbh Mela is an important event organized around Sankranti, and sweets prepared with jaggery and sesame are relished in most households. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the Sun’s journey northward.

short essay on harvest festivals of india

Pongal is celebrated from the 15th to the 18th of January, predominantly in Tamil Nadu. It is a festival where people express gratitude to Lord Indra for the rains, worship the Sun God, and show reverence to cattle. Similar to Sankranti, Pongal marks the culmination of the winter solstice and the commencement of the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayana). The central culinary highlight of Pongal is a dish named after the festival itself. Pongal, the dish, is a special concoction of newly harvested rice boiled with milk and jaggery, symbolizing the essence of the celebration.

This festival is celebrated annually on January 14th in Punjab, involves social gatherings around a bonfire, fostering unity and joy in the cold winter night. Traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, along with lively music, create a festive atmosphere. The festival holds cultural and agricultural significance, marking the end of winter and anticipating a prosperous harvest season.

Bhogali Bihu

short essay on harvest festivals of india

Celebrated in Assam on January 15th, this festival is a joyous occasion where farmers express gratitude for the harvest through feasts, songs, and dance. Notable attractions include bull and bird fights, but the highlight is the traditional Bihu dance, a vibrant and energetic form of folk dance. The Bihu dance is an integral part of the Bihu festival, symbolizing the spirit of Assamese culture and adding lively rhythms to the festivities.

Basant Panchami

Celebrated in the northern parts of India around the 26th of January, this festivity signifies the onset of spring and is closely associated with the color yellow, symbolizing spirituality and mirroring the vibrant mustard fields across northern India. Saraswati Puja, a significant aspect of the celebration, involves honoring the goddess of knowledge, adding both cultural and spiritual dimensions to the joyous occasion.

short essay on harvest festivals of india

A popular and vibrant harvest festival in India, celebrated mainly in North Indian states in March, involves lighting a bonfire on Holika Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The next day brings joyous colour play with ash and soil, along with spirited water fights. Beyond its festive aspects, Holi fosters unity and inclusivity, drawing people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate India’s cultural richness and diversity.

Padwa is a harvest festival celebrated in Maharashtra, usually in March. It marks the Marathi New Year and involves the tradition of hoisting a “gudi” at the entrance of homes. A Gudi is a decorated pole adorned with bright fabrics, neem leaves, flowers and a silver or copper vessel. This ritual symbolizes victory, wards off evil, and is considered auspicious in Maharashtrian culture, signifying the start of a new year.

Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka around 22nd March, Ugadi is a harvest festival marking the new year in the Telugu and Kannada calendars. Considered auspicious for new beginnings, people engage in Ugadi puja, illuminate lamps, create rangolis, and prepare traditional dishes like “Ugadi Pachadi,” symbolizing life’s diverse experiences. Families come together to reflect on the past year and embrace the upcoming one with enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of renewal and cultural richness.

This harvest festival falls around the 14th of April and is primarily celebrated in Punjab and Haryana, where people express gratitude to God for the bountiful harvest. Fairs, gatherings, and lively singing and dancing, including traditional Bhangra and Gidda performances to the beats of a Dhol, are integral to the Baisakhi traditions. Additionally, Baisakhi holds historical significance as it marks the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, adding a deeper cultural and religious layer to the festivities.

It falls in April each year and is celebrated on the first day of the Malalayee new year in Kerala and Karnataka. People worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna on this day, pray together, and enjoy fireworks and feasts with family and friends.

It falls in April every year and is mainly celebrated in West Bengal. It is known for the paddy plantation harvest where people take part in harvest rituals and thank God for good crop. The Nabanna fair and Payesh (sweet prepared using newly harvested rice) are key features of the Nebana harvest festival.

Dree Festival

It falls in July and is celebrated by the Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. This festivity marks the harvest season. People gather on this occasion and enjoy feasts, songs, dance and sports.

short essay on harvest festivals of india

Onam, a popular harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated annually from August 20th to 31st. The festivities include house decorations, feasts, songs, and dance to mark the harvest. Key features of Onam include the thrilling snakeboat race and the vibrant tiger dance, adding excitement to the celebrations.

Ladakh Harvest Festival

It is celebrated from 1st September to 15th September. A pilgrimage to Thankga and dramas to depict the life and teachings of Buddha are among the key features of the Ladakh harvest festival which attracts many travellers.

Celebrated in Orissa every September, Nuakhai, literally meaning ‘new food,’ is a festival that joyously commemorates the harvest. It symbolically marks the end of difficult times and the beginning of a season of abundance and prosperity.

Wangala, celebrated in November, heralds the onset of winter and is a significant harvest festival for the Garo tribe in northeast India, particularly in Meghalaya and Assam. The festival involves worship of the Sun God and vibrant celebrations with traditional music, featuring drums, flutes, and gongs.

In India’s rich cultural landscape, these 16 harvest festivals are vibrant expressions, weaving diverse rituals. Each celebration, unique in its unfolding, resonates with a common symphony of joy and gratitude. The exuberance of harvest and heartfelt appreciation for nature fosters collective well-being and prosperity. Every festival paints a canvas of shared happiness, connecting communities across India’s diverse traditions.

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7 Popular Harvest Festivals in India

Harvest festivals are an integral part of India’s cultural legacy and over the centuries the tradition has evolved in various forms and has assimilated itself into the local tradition.

Onam

Onam was initially associated with the tradition of the fertility cult and is a popular harvest festival celebrated in the month of August-September in Kerala . This harvest festival later turned out to be the identity of the land and is celebrated with the Thiruvona Sadhya – traditional Kerala Meal with at least 50 different dishes complete with the Onam Pattu and Pulikali where people masquerading as tigers take to the streets in the evening. Trissur district in Kerala witness the largest gathering of these ‘tigers’ and is a colourful occasion with drumbeats and banners.

Pongal

Pongal or Tai Pongal is a sacred festival associated with the harvest season and similar to Onam it is celebrated by all caste and creed. The festival lasts for four days of which the second day is the most auspicious. The festival has its birth place in Tamil Nadu which is usually celebrated in the month of January. It is celebrated in various forms all over the country in different names. The Pongal dish is cooked in open air by the devotees themselves, as an offering to the Sun God. The houses are washed out of its yearlong impurities and old clothes are thrown out to welcome the prosperous New Year.

Ugadi

The Ugadi festival signifies the beginning of a new epoch. The clothes are rinsed and houses are cleansed with cow-dung water which is considered purifying and holy. It falls in the months of March-April and is subject to change depending on the Solar Calendar. It is particularly auspicious in the state of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh . People welcome the Ugadi with new clothes and special dishes reserved for this special day. The Ugadi Pachadi – a sweet and savoury dish is renowned for its taste as well as its medicinal quality and is specially prepared for the occasion.

4. Baisaakhi

Baisaakhi

The Vaisaakhi or Baisaakhi marks the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab and is typically celebrated in the month of April. Vaisaakhi marks the first solar month of the Punjab Calendar and is celebrated with devotion as well as much celebrated fun. The devotional tone of the festival changes to one with fun-filled passion and excitement with stalls and carnivals together with drum beats and music.

Vishu

Vishu is the New Year for Kerala and it marks the beginning of the harvest season. Heavily adorned by the myth of Lord Krishna, the devotees put together several fruits, vegetables and cereals in front of the idol of Krishna. This is known as the Vishu Kani and on the morning of the festival, people open their eyes to witness this sight, signifying abundance and prosperity for the rest of the year.

Holi

Holi has been tagged as both a spring festival as well as a harvest festival. It is celebrated in various forms in different parts of the world. Typically, it lasts only for two days but it extends up to 16 days depending on the local customs and traditions. It commemorates different meanings and customs for different regions and hence the beliefs and practises change. In general, it signifies the abolition of evil practises and the arrival of abundance and prosperity.

7. Makara Sankranthi

Makara Sankranthi

Makara Sankranthi is a harvest festival and as its name suggests it falls in the month of January. Makar Sankranthi is celebrated all over the country in different names. It is the first transition of the sun after the winter season and it marks a new beginning. Like all, harvest festivals, the Makar Sankranthi is auspicious and it is synonymous with people giving thanks to the Gods especially the Sun God which is the divine manifestation visible to the human eye, according to the Hindu legend.

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short essay on harvest festivals of india

1 thought on “7 Popular Harvest Festivals in India”

I really like to celebrate harvest festival. I loved it. I usually celebrate with my friends and family.

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Festivals of India Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on festival of india.

Festivals are larger than life celebrations of various things. They occur at regular intervals and helping in breaking the monotony of life. Furthermore, they give you the chance to celebrate the little and big things in life. Festivals are the carriers of peace and joy in the communities. All nations of the world have certain religious and cultural festivals. However, India is one of the largest countries to celebrate numerous festivals. As India is a very cultural and diverse country , so are the festivals. They divide into three general categories of national, religious and seasonal.

Festivals Of India Essay

Types of Indian Festivals

As we can divide the Indian festivals into national, religious and seasonal, we see how they differ from each other. In general, national festivals are celebrated in honor of reputable people and events. The religious ones follow legends of faiths and their beliefs. The seasonal ones are celebrated with each season that we experience that varies from region to region.

National Festivals

short essay on harvest festivals of india

Moreover, they help in setting aside the differences of the countrymen and unite each other like never before. The capital of India, New Delhi is the seat of national festivals. For instance, it witnesses the grand parade of the Republic Day. The flag hoisting takes place in New Delhi, which is broadcasted on national television for the whole country to see.

Religious Festivals

The religious festivals are one of the most famous festivals not only throughout India but over the world. Some of the most prominent religious festivals are Diwali, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Christmas, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Holi and many more. Diwali and Holi are the most prominent festivals of the Hindu religion. They are very colorful and full of lights.

Next up, Eid-Ul-Fitr is an Islamic festival which celebrates the end of Ramadan. It is about delectable dishes and family gatherings. Christmas celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it is about Christmas trees and Santa Claus. Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev.

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Seasonal Festivals

Finally, the particular regions of the country celebrate seasonal festivals. For instance, Bihu is a festival of Assam. Likewise, Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal. In addition, there is Basant Panchami which people celebrate through North India and West Bengal as well.

Importance of Festivals

Festivals are very important. They make us forget our cultural and religious differences . They unite people and they come together for the sole purpose of celebration and happiness. Other than that, festivals also help us embrace our culture and religion. They are very helpful in breaking the monotony of life.

Moreover, people look forward to festivals all-round the year. Festivals spark joy and give people something to look forward to. In addition, people also repair their homes and paint them that look like brand new. It beautifies the look of the locality.

In short, festivals fill our lives with colors and enthusiasm. They bring us closer every year and eliminate any feelings of communal hatred. Further, they strengthen the bonds of the community and remove the malice from people’s hearts. Therefore, festivals are quite important and must be celebrated with passion.

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Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

India is an agricultural nation and harvesting season is a reason to rejoice for Indians. There are many different harvest festivals in India and they vary from one region to another. Here is the list of all major harvest festivals of India

Makar Sankranti  – This festival is celebrated in January and it has many different names. It is also known as Pongal in South, Lohri in North and it has many other names. A lot of people fly kites during this festival to celebrate the harvest season.

Baisakhi  – Next popular Harvest Festival in India is Baisakhi and it is mostly celebrated in Punjab and neighboring This festival is celebrated to express gratitude to god and it also has religious significance to Sikhs.

Rongali Bihu  – Rongali Bihu is mostly celebrated in Assam and this festival is celebrated thrice every year but each of them has a different name. This is also remarked as Assamese New Year and the celebrations last for 7 days.

Hareli – Hareli is the celebration of the harvest season in Chhattisgarh. This festival is celebrated in Monsoon season and all the farmers worship their farming tools during the festival.

Onam  – Onam is yet another popular festival in India and it is celebrated between August and September. This festival signifies the harvest of rice and the celebrations last about 10 days.

Nuakhai  – Do you know which the harvest festival of Orissa is? Well, it is Nuakhai and this festival is also celebrated between August and September during the harvest season.

Kut – In Manipur, people celebrate Kut festival and this festival is celebrated in November. The celebrations of Kut includes traditional dance and other such events.

Tokhu Emong  – Last harvest festival in India is Tokhu Emong and this is celebrated in Meghalaya, West Bengal,and It is certainly one of the popular festivals in northeast India.

These are all the harvest festivals celebrated in India every year.

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Santosh Kumar

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  • Festivals Celebrating Regional Harvests in India

Introduction

India is popularly known as the land of festival, and it is rightly said so, considering it is a colorful nation where people celebrate with full vigor and joy. India has 29 states and every state celebrates harvest festivals at different times in the year. The first yield of the crop is a delight for the people and they celebrate it cheerfully as a festival.

Festivals have always been the most memorable and favorite part of a traveler’s journey through different countries and continents. Being the colorful nation, that India is, the most vibrant harvest festivals of India involve interesting mythological legends and joyous celebrations. They are as incredible and diverse as its people and landscapes and let you experience the beauty of the Indian culture. However, dates for harvest festivals in different parts of the country vary due to diversity in climate. See the list of harvest festivals in India, may it be north, east, west, or south.

The festivals that celebrate religious harvests in India are listed below:

  • Makar Sankranti : Makar Sankranti is the oldest and the most colorful harvest festival in India. It is also the most celebrated harvest festival of North India making it the top harvest festival of Uttar Pradesh . The festival marks the end of an unfavorable phase and the beginning of a holy phase. Particularly in villages of Gujarat , Kerala , Tamil Nadu , Haryana , Himachal , West Bengal , and Punjab , people celebrate the harvest of new crops with a bonfire, carnivals, songs, dances, kite flying, and rallies. Kumbh Mela is one of the key attractions during this festival. There are three dates for this festival in which most pilgrims participate and this festival lasts for three months in a year.
  • Baisakhi : People of Punjab and Haryana celebrate Baisakhi festival 2022 or Vaisakhi by thanking God for the good harvest. And the farmers of the country express their happiness and delight through this Indian harvest festival. People wear their best colorful dresses, sing the happiest songs, and dance to the melodious beats of Dhol. It is the most loved harvest festival of Punjab . Baisakhi fairs are also organized where acrobatics, wresting, algoza, and vanjli performances can be seen which makes it one of the most interesting harvest festivals celebrated in India.
  • Ladakh Harvest Festival : Ladakh Harvest Festival has gained immense popularity and fame all over the world. Ladakh looks bright, beautiful, and absolutely stunning with the commencement of this harvest festival. Monasteries and stupas are decorated and pilgrimages to Thangka of Kyabje Gombo are mandatory things as a part of this celebration. Archery along with old social & cultural ceremonies and art & handicrafts are the other features of the event. The festivals of Ladakh attracts travelers from across the world with their exclusive experiences. While visiting this destination, you must enjoy this unique festival of harvest in India.
  • Lohri : Lohri is a renowned harvest festival in Punjab that showcases traditional dance and songs. To kill the chills of winter, the entire family and neighbors gather around the bonfire and sing together and offer grains, corns, and nuts to respect and appreciate the grand harvest of sugarcane crops.
  • Basant Panchami: One of the most popular harvesting festivals of India, Basant Panchami marks the onset of the spring season. Celebrated in different states of North India, it is considered an auspicious day. This festival is associated with yellow color, which is a color of spirituality. One can see the magnificent mustard crop fields in the countryside, especially rural areas of Haryana and Punjab .
  • Gudi Padwa : Gudi Padwa is a grand harvest festival of Maharashtra marking the beginning of an auspicious New Year. People make rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes and decorate them with flowers and a handmade doll. Folks meet friends and relatives, exchange wishes, and women cook sweets like Puran Poli , Shrikhand , and Sunth Paak.
  • Onam : Onam festival is a legendary harvest festival of Kerala celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of Kerala . The festival is celebrated for 10 days with the arrival of Mahabali. To relish the successful harvest, Malayalee people decorate their house entrance with floral rangoli, wear new traditional clothes, women cook delicious food, and celebrate with traditional music and dance.
  • Pongal : Pongal is another name for Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated during the same time in various cities of Tamil Nadu . This is a thanksgiving celebration where people express their deep gratitude to mother nature for the produce of the year. This is one of the most colorful harvest festivals of India celebrated for 4 days. It is amongst the most popular festivals of Tamil Nadu . The first day is the Bhogi Festival devoted to Lord Indra for an abundance of rain. On the second day, newly harvested rice and milk are cooked outdoor and offered to Sun God. The third day is for cattle worship and on the fourth day, Pongal or traditional colored rice is offered with turmeric, betel leaf, and betel nuts.
  • Ugadi : Ugadi is a regional New Year celebration for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka . This harvest festival is considered auspicious to start new work and ventures. On the day, local people take an oil bath, wear traditional clothes, decorate homes with earthen lamps and rangoli, and perform Ugadi puja at home.
  • Vishu : Grand worship of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, elaborate family lunch, evening prayers, and fireworks sum up the complete picture of the Vishu festival. This is an interesting harvest festival celebrated on the first day of Malayalee New Year. Women of the house prepare Vishukkani—varieties of traditional cuisine to offer to Gods—, with rice, golden lemon, golden cucumber, jackfruit, yellow konna flowers, and betel leaves.
  • Bhogali Bihu: Every year in January, the entire state of Assam showcases enthusiasm and delight in celebrating Bhogali Bihu. The farmers of Assam celebrate and cherish the efforts of cultivation and reap the benefits. The celebration starts one night before with Uruka—the community feast. On the day of Bihu, the mejis or pavilion made of clay and hay are burnt. Local women wear stunning mukhlas and participate in group songs and dance. Also known as Magh Bihu, this is an exotic and most vibrant name on the list of harvest festivals of India.
  • Chhath Puja : Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival historically native to the Indian subcontinent, more specifically, the Indian states of Bihar , Uttar Pradesh , Jharkhand , and the Nepalese provinces of Madhesh and Lumbini. Prayers during Chhath puja are dedicated to the solar deity, Surya, to show gratitude and thankfulness for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request that certain wishes be granted. Chhathi Maiya, the sixth form of Devi Prakriti and Lord Surya's sister is worshipped as the Goddess of the festival. It is celebrated six days after Deepavali, on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartika (October–November) in the Hindu calendar Vikram Samvat. The rituals are observed over four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (vrata), standing in water, and offering prasad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun. Some devotees also perform a prostration march as they head for the river banks.
  • Nuakhai: Nuakhai is an annual harvest festival in Odisha , celebrated to welcome the season's new rice. Celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi , Nuakhai is the most auspicious and important social festival in Western Odisha and the neighbouring areas of Simdega in Jharkhand . It is celebrated in both domestic and community levels - while the festival brings people to their natives for customary greetings and meals in the urban places, the season in the rural counterparts runs through the entire month and is marked by prayers, community dances, and feasts.
  • Holi : One of the, if not the most colourful harvest festivals celebrated in the world, Holi is representative of India’s essence and vibrancy. The beautiful cultural festival celebrated with colours and water in March is a unique festival marked all across the country. Celebrated across two days; the night before the colour playing family and friends gather to burn a bonfire to commemorate the sacrifice of Holika and the next day people come out and play with colours and water in the spirit of joy.
  • Wangala: Wangala is an important post-harvest festival of the Garo Tribe, to mark the end of an agricultural year. It is a thanksgiving festival to the god of fertility, known as Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. An extravaganza of 100 drums, the festival is also known as the hundred drum festival. It is accompanied by the cries of a leading warrior, while boys and girls join him synchronizing the dance steps with hand gestures. Celebrated from September to December, it marks the onset of Winter. During the festival, the sun god is worshipped with great Zeal with women dressed in colourful attire and men rhythmically drumming their traditional instruments.

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Popular Harvest Festivals in India

Harvest festivals in india, here is the list of 18 popular harvest festivals in india, 1. makar sankrati.

Makar Sankrati

Celebrated in the second week of January, this signifies the end of the harvesting season in the country when farmers put down their tools and come together in joy and harmony. The Sankranti festivities are marked in different ways across north India such as through kite flying in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan; Pongal in south India; a four-day long cultural harvest festival in India primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It is a famous festival in the south when people pray for abundance in wealth and health. Date: Thursday, January 14, 2021

Pongal

One of the most popular harvest festivals of South India is Pongal. It is celebrated in mid-January every year and marks the beginning of Uttarayan-sun’s journey northwards. It is mainly observed in Tamil Nadu and lasts for about four days. The literal meaning of Pongal is “spilling over”, and it is so called because of the tradition of boiling rice in a pot until it starts to spill while people show gratitude to nature during the festival. Drawing of Kolam, swinging and cooking are essential traditions of the festival. Date: January 13-16 2021

3. Baisakhi

Baisakhi

Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, the harvest festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm to mark the beginning of the new spring and is celebrated in most of India as the new year by Hindus. It signifies the end of the harvest season in India, marking a time of prosperity for the farmers. Also called as Vaisakhi, it is a festival of tremendous joy and celebration. Baisakhi is especially significant to Punjab and Haryana, because of the large Sikh population who celebrate this festival with a lot of energy and vigour. Date: Monday, 13 April 2020

Lohri

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, feeding it, offering prayers, dance performances. The fire signifies passing of winters, the long nights and welcomes summer, the longer days. Celebration of Lohri marks the end of winter season. It is celebrated with the beating of Dhol, Nagadas, and singing of traditional Lohri songs. Date: Wednesday, 13 January 2021

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Onam

Onam is a 10-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala in the month of August - September. The festival is celebrated with grandeur. There are fairs and contests for people to indulge in. The floors are decorated with flower designs; there are dances for celebration and a snake boat race (Aranmula Boat Race) contest called Vallamkali is also carried out. The tenth or the last day of Onam is said to be most important and is one of the most popular manifestations of Culture of Kerala. Date: Saturday, 22 August to Wednesday, 2 September

Bihu

The most significant and important of all the cultural and vibrant celebrations in Assam is the Bihu festival. Marking the beginning of the agricultural season, Bihu brings the people of Assam together, irrespective of caste, religion, creed, gender or race. People of Assam rest their faith on their supreme God, Brai Shibrai, locally known as Father Shibrai. Celebrated somewhere around April, the Bihu harvest festival lasts for an entire month and is observed all across Assam with high spirits of appreciation. Date: Tuesday, 14 April - Monday, 20 April

Nuakhai

Nuakhai is an annual harvest festival in Odisha, celebrated to welcome the season's new rice. Celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, Nuakhai is the most auspicious and important social festival in Western Odisha and the neighbouring areas of Simdega in Jharkhand. It is celebrated in both domestic and community levels - while the festival brings people to their natives for customary greetings and meals in the urban places, the season in the rural counterparts runs through the entire month and is marked by prayers, community dances, and feasts. Date: Sunday, 23 August 2020

Ugadi

The traditional occasion of Ugadi involves day-long festivities. The day is believed to be auspicious for starting new ventures. The fervour and enthusiasm with which the festival is celebrated mark its relevance even in today's time. The city drowns in different colours of rangolis and decorations. The festival welcomes a new start of life. Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2020

9. Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is one of the most important festivals for the people of Maharashtra as it marks the beginning of the new year and the harvest season. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It is also believed that Lord Rama killed Bali on this day. The main ritual is the worship of an adorned bamboo stalk or Gudi, which is erected in the front of the house. Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2020

Holi

One of the, if not the most colourful harvest festivals celebrated in the world, Holi is representative of India’s essence and vibrancy. The beautiful cultural festival celebrated with colours and water in March is a unique festival marked all across the country. Celebrated across two days; the night before the colour playing family and friends gather to burn a bonfire to commemorate the sacrifice of Holika and the next day people come out and play with colours and water in the spirit of joy. Date: Monday, 9 March - Tuesday, 10 March

11. Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami is a Hindu Spring harvest festival is either celebrated in January or February. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. Saraswati Puja takes place on a giant level in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. People eat yellow and wear yellow. In Rajasthan, people wear jasmine garlands whereas, in Uttarakhand, people also worship Lord Shiva and Parvati as the mother earth. The Sikhs conduct Langar to celebrate the yellow festival. Date: february 16, 2021

12. Wangala Festival

Wangala Festival

Wangala is an important post-harvest festival of the Garo Tribe, to mark the end of an agricultural year. It is a thanksgiving festival to the god of fertility, known as Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa. An extravaganza of a 100 drums, the festival is also known as the hundred drum festival. It is accompanied by the cries of a leading warrior, while boys and girls join him syncronising the dance steps with hand gestures. Celebrated from September to December, it marks the onset of Winter. During the festival, the sun god is worshipped with great Zeal with women dressed in colourful attire and men rhythmically drumming their traditional instruments. Date: 13 November 2020 Friday

13. Nabanna

Nabanna

Nabanna, translating to Nobo-Onno which means New Rice in Bengali, is a harvest festival of the state. Celebrated in the Bengali month of Agrohyon, the new rice is harvested, and farmers offer the first harvest to Goddess Lakshmi as a thanksgiving offering. Apart from this, the festival hosts a food mela called the Nabanna Fair where a Bengali cuisine called 'Pithe' is cooked and offered to everyone. There are other cultural events with dance and music during the festivities.

14. Ladakh Harvest Festival

Ladakh Harvest Festival

The harvest festival of Ladakh is a 15-day event at the start of September. This festival is a colourful and vibrant extravaganza of the local culture. The people perform masked dances, songs and other rituals. A polo tournament known as the “Ladakh Festival Cup” is the highlight of the festival.

15. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is celebrated by the Khasi people of Meghalaya. It’s a five day long carnival in the autumn months of October and November. This is an elaborate festival where people wear traditional attires perform Nonkrem dance. Goats are sacrificed and offered to the deity of U-Lei Shillong. On the 5th day, a prayer of thanksgiving is offered to the creator by the Syiem.

Vishu

Vishu festival signifies the New Year of Kerala. This also symbolises the beginning of Spring. Lord Vishnu, in his avatar Shri Krishna is worshipped in Vishu. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna had killed the demon Narakasura. Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Agera

Agera is celebrated by the Catholic community of East Indians in Mumbai. It marks the harvest of crops after the monsoons. Agera falls on the first Sunday of October. The word Agers comes from the Latin word Ager which means “farm”. After the harvest, the first fruits are offered to God.

18. Dree Festival

Dree Festival

Dree Festival is celebrated by the Apatani Tribe in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.This festival is celebrated on the 5th of July. The preparations however start from 4th of July itself. Dree festival is celebrated by offering prayers to the Gods Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi and asking for a great harvest season. Other than that, tangy rice and millet lager is prepared and relished.

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Festivals of India Essay

Festivals of India Essay | Essay on Festivals of India and Its Importance

Festivals of India Essay:  Festivals of India essay educates the students about India’s vast cultural legacy. With various cultures and religions spread over the country, there are countless festivals celebrated in India. From an academic perspective, students must know about the various festivals celebrated across India. Read on to find more about on essay on importance of Festivals.

To write an engaging festival of India essay, students must use a few tips and tricks to make their essays stand out. This helps students to write very engaging essays and secure more marks in their exams. Consider the following tips and tricks when writing an essay:

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Festivals of India Essay – Guidelines and Writing Tips

These tips will help you secure more marks for the evaluation of the essay.

  • Begin the essay with an introductory paragraph provide an insight into the history of the topic if possible
  • Integrate historical facts, names or other important data that may add credibility to the essay.
  • Exclude jargons or other technical terms, until it is absolutely required.
  • Present content in small, digestible chunks. Smaller the paragraphs, the easier to read.
  • Present important facts in points
  • Ensure that there are no grammatical or factual errors in the essay,
  • End the essay with a closing paragraph.

Festivals of India Essay – Sample 1 (200 Words)

India has a rich culture, dating back several thousand years. Therefore, India celebrates the most  number of cultural and religious festivals than any other country in the world. Moreover, celebrations in India are often observed with grandeur. In general, festivals in India are classified into three categories, namely: seasonal, religious and national.

Seasonal Festivals: Seasonal festivals, as the name implies, are festivals that celebrate a particular season. For instance, the harvest season is celebrated across many states in India. In Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival is known as Pongal. In Kerala, Onam is considered as a harvest festival and Bihu is considered as the harvest festival of Assam.

Religious Festivals: Religious festivals are celebrated to signify a time of special importance, often marked by adherents to the respective religion. For instance, Christmas is a religious festival celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Guru Nanak Jayanti is festival that celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru – Guru Nanak

National Festivals: National festivals are celebrated all over India irrespective of caste, creed, gender, religion or sex. These festivals generally invoke a sense of patriotism and belongingness. India has three national festivals – namely Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Moreover, these festivals are public holidays, regardless of the state or union territory.

Festivals of India Essay – Sample 2 (500 Words +)

India is a cultural melting pot, with numerous cultures and religions. Therefore, it is not surprising that India has many festivals. The following are some of the major festivals celebrated across India.

Republic Day: Though not exclusively a religious festival, Republic Day marks the enforcement of the Indian Constitution nearly 70 years ago. It is celebrated on the 26th of January every year. This is an important event in the history of modern India, hence, it is a national holiday. Republic Day celebrations take place in a ceremonial boulevard called the Rajpath in New Delhi. The parades pass in front of the President of India and many other important delegates. The parade is also broadcast across national and international television, portraying India’s various cultures and diversity.

Pongal: Pongal is essentially a thanks-giving festival, and the most sacred festival for Tamil Nadu. It is  celebrated between 14th-15th January to thank the “Sun God” and the Lord Indhra for helping the farmers improve their crop yield. It is also customary to reject the old and welcome new materialistic possessions

Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a popular festival also known by other names such as Suggi, Lohri, and Uttarayan. It is celebrated on 15th January to mark the end of winter and the beginning of harvest season. Sweets are usually exchanged among family members, friends and neighbours. In Gujarat, if one happens lookup at the skies during this festival, they may find kites of varying sizes and designs.

Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess – Saraswati. The dates may vary between January last week and February first week. The festival is celebrated on a massive scale across Assam, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. The colour yellow is considered quite auspicious on this day, hence people wear yellow clothes in Rajasthan. In Uttarakhand, Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravti are worshipped on this day.

Maha Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri marks the overcoming of ignorance and darkness. It is celebrated on 21st February every year with utmost splendour.  Devotees gather in large numbers to worship the Gods in temples at Varanasi. A temple in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is also very prominent during this time and is flocked by thousands of devotees.

Holi: Holi is one of India’s most iconic festivals.It is typically celebrated between 9th and 10th March every year. People play with with bright colours dance to music. Women beat their husbands with sticks and shields, playfully of course. The night before Holi, a big bonfire is created, signifying the destruction of any negative vibes. Southern India observes Holi by worshiping the God of Love – Kamadeva. In Gujarat, Holi is celebrated to signify new beginnings.

Diwali: Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over dark. It is celebrated on 14th November every year. Moreover, it is also celebrated to honour the seventh incarnation of the Lord Vishnu (Rama-chandra). During this festival, people perform poojas during the day and at night, they adorn their houses with lamps and burst crackers. People also exchange sweets and wear new clothes.

Christamas: Christmas is a festival which is celebrated not just in India, but almost everywhere else in the world. It is celebrated on 25th December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God by Christians. Christmas is celebrated by placing gifts under a decorated Christmas tree. People also visit churches to seek blessings from Christ during this festival.

Onam: Onam is the festival of harvest for Kerala. It is also one of the biggest festivals for the state, and is celebrated with grandeur. The festival pays homage to Mahabali, a benevolent Daitya king. The celebration is almost a week long typically starting from 22nd August to  2nd September. The central part of the festival is a grand feast. Moreover, people also adorn new clothes and make patterns out of flowers in front of their houses.

In conclusion, India celebrates many festivals, national, religious and seasonal. It is also one of the few countries in the world to have such as large number of festivals.

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Essay on National Festivals of India

Vibrant, cheerful and joyful – are the words to describe the festivals of India. There are umpteen number of festivals which are celebrated joyfully in India.On top of these festivals, there are few National festivals that the whole of India proudly comes together to celebrate irrespective of their religion or caste. This National Festivals of India essay is for kids studying in Class 5 and above. The language is kept plain and simple to make it easy for students to understand well. They will be easily able to write a short National Festivals of India essay in English after going through this article.

Long Essay on National Festivals of India

India is a culturally diverse country. It is home to many religions, castes and communities. People celebrate many different festivals in the way the respective festivals are celebrated in their respective communities. But these national festival days have been immensely important in the chapters of Indian history. National festivals help bring in a sense of patriotism. It reminds us that despite all our differences, our love for our country unites us all. We commemorate these festivals with great pomp and show to celebrate the milestones of India’s history. National festivals in India constitute Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

Independence Day falls on the 15th of August. On this day, in 1947, the colonization of India by the British came to an end, which had lasted for two hundred years. It took a long drawn out struggle to free the country and its citizens from the shackles of British rule. The likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sarojini Naidu and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, those who fought for our freedom are honored on this day. This day also marks the partition of India and Pakistan. To commemorate this day, first the President addresses the nation through a broadcast on the eve of 15th August. In the morning of the day, the present prime minister arrives at the Red Fort in New Delhi and the guard of honour greets him. The Indian national flag is hoisted and then the national anthem is sung across the nation. The prime minister addresses the nation from Red Fort, exactly the way Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, had done back in 1947. It is followed by a parade by the Indian military and paramilitary forces. Selected performances by school children are also carried out. Flag hoisting is done across India, majorly in schools and colleges. Every government building in the country sports the tri-color on its terrace. Kids and elders enjoy flying kites and playing with colors of our tri-color. Different plays and movies are showcased on various platforms, to remind the new generation of the contributions and sacrifices the freedom fighters made for us to be able to breathe in the free air.

On 26th of January 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect and our country became a republic. On this day in the year 1929 the Indian National Congress had proclaimed “Poorna Swaraj” against the Dominion status offered by the British Regime. The final draft of the Constitution took two years and eleven months to be ready. It contained the preamble and fundamental rights that are guaranteed to each and every Indian citizen. The commemoration begins with the parade from RashtrapatiBhavan to Rajpath. Unlike Independence day, the President presides over the Republic Day celebration. The armed forces march towards the India Gate, the flag hoisting is done and the national anthem is sung. Armed forces and tableaus from various states, selected by the ministry of defense participate in the parade. Bravery awards are presented, the graves of those who sacrificed their lives for the country are garlanded- a leader from a foreign country is invited as a chief guest to honor the event. People wake up early on a Republic Day morning to watch the parade.

To remember the Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi also known as Mahatma Gandhi, his birth anniversary is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti. It falls on the 2nd October. He was one of the revered freedom fighters and is known for his ideologies of non-violence. His beliefs are still practiced. The Prime Minister pays homage at Raj Ghat, his crematorium. This day is observed in the schools too. Students take part in various events like essay competitions, poem recitation and banner-making promoting nonviolence. This day is also celebrated as the International day of Non-Violence in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.

Short Paragraph on National Festivals of India

Three national festivals are celebrated in India. They are Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. People celebrate the National Festivals of India with as much magnificence as the regional religious festivals. The citizens of the nation get doused in patriotism on all three occasions. Many different events- big and small, get organized all over the country at various locations to celebrate the three festivals.To add splendor to the festive mood, schools, colleges, squares, roads, market spaces, offices, buses etc. are all decked up with flags, balloons, flowers, fairy-lights, and drapes in tri-colour. Essay writing, poem recitation, debates, skits, fancy dress competitions, plays, and many other cultural activities are carried out as a part of these National Day Festival celebrations.In a country like India with so much cultural diversity, festivals like these really help the citizens of the country stay united.

What Are The Major National Festivals Of India? 

India is a very vast country with a wide variety of cultures, religions, etc. So, you can see diversity in festivals celebrated in India as well. These festivals are in huge numbers. Therefore, we will only discuss some of the major national festivals of India. These are as follows:

Diwali (Deepavali): It is one of the most important festivals that is celebrated all over India in October - November. This festival is marked by people - lighting earthen lamps, distributing sweets to friends, family and relatives and bursting firecrackers. 

Holi: It is also one of the most popular festivals celebrated across the country. It is also named the festival of colours as it is marked by people putting colours on each other's faces, clothes, etc. This festival is celebrated with the start of the spring season. 

Navratri: This is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Hindu community. It is celebrated all over India. Navratri is a Sanskrit word and means nine nights. So, as the name suggests, this festival lasts for nine days and nine nights. In some parts of India, people dance during this festival as well. 

Durga Puja: If we talk about the major festivals of India, we can't skip Durga Puja. This festival is celebrated all over India by millions of Hindus. It lasts for four days and during those four days, people worship Goddess Durga. All the people wear new dresses during this festival. 

Dussehra: This festival is celebrated when Navratri ends or even when Durga Puja ends. Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami. In different parts of the country, you will see that this festival is celebrated differently. In Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated in the best possible way by decorating the Mysore Palace with dazzling lights. 

Janmashtami: It is also one of the most prominent festivals celebrated all over the country. This festival is celebrated on the day of the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day, people from all parts of India worship Krishna either at their homes or at temples. 

Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is a significant festival for all the Hindus all over India. This festival marks the birth of Ganesha and is celebrated for over 10 days. 

Eid-ul-Fitr: This is one of the most important festivals for the Muslim community of India. It marks the end of Ramadan (the most sacred month for Muslims). It is celebrated on the first day of Shaban (Islamic Month). On this auspicious occasion, all the people wear new clothes, pray Eid Namaz in mosques and visit their relatives' houses. 

Christmas: This is the most popular festival in the world as it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. In India, it is celebrated on a large scale as well. It is celebrated on the 25th of December, every year and is followed by the New Year. 

There are other National Festivals that are celebrated in India as well. These include Maha Shivratri, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Rakshabandhan, Gurpurab, Makar Sankranti. 

The national festivals of India are very important days to be celebrated in honor of our great leaders and to draw inspiration from their unparalleled deeds. It gives us an opportunity to keep the history of our nation close to our hearts even after so many years. It facilitates keeping aside the differences of the citizens and getting united with each other. The events organized to celebrate these days offer us to feel proud of our nation and help us to bond with our neighbors, colleagues and other near and dear ones over patriotism. Students in school develop patriotism from a very early age.

A lot of students find it very hard to write a good essay as they struggle to put the right words in the right place. If you are struggling with your essays as well and want to learn more about essay writing then this article will be very helpful for you. To write a good essay, you first need to do detailed research about the topic on which you are writing your essay. When you grasp all that information, then you should be able to pen it down in such a way that it looks attractive, and it should be able to draw the attention of readers. Your words should be simple and easy to understand and you should not make it too long as readers would get bored if they have to read a very long text. You should not write it short either as you won't be able to fit all the information in it. So, your essay should be of medium length. 

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FAQs on National Festivals of India Essay

1. What are the National Festivals Commemorated in Our Country?

We have 3 national festivals, namely, Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

2. Why are National Festivals Celebrated?

It’s to stay in touch with our country’s history and to honour those who have been brave to fight for the freedom we have today.

3. State the difference between Religious Festivals and National Festivals?

Religious festivals are celebrated differently amongst different communities whereas national festivals are celebrated by all Indians in the same way irrespective of their religion, caste or community.

4. How do I write a good essay on National Festivals in English? 

To write a good essay on the National Festivals, you first need to do detailed research on the different festivals that different people celebrate all over the country. Once you have the data related to all these festivals, you can then frame your essay accordingly. You have to go through all the important festivals and collect information about them. You can then put all that information in your essay which will make it more attractive. 

5. What are the different types of festivals celebrated in India? 

India being a secular country experiences a variety of festivals. All these festivals in one way or another bring people together. You will see a diverse range of cultures related to each of these festivals. Some of the most popular festivals celebrated in India are Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Onam, Pongal, etc. All these festivals are associated with different religions of India. All these festivals are a major source of happiness and joy for people across religions. 

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  1. Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

    Pongal: The Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu. Pongal, celebrated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most famous harvest festivals in India. It is a four-day event that commences in mid-January. Each day has its unique significance, with rituals dedicated to the Sun God, cattle, and family ancestors.

  2. 18 Most Popular Harvest Festivals Of India (with dates) In 2022

    8. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem - The Dance Festival Of Meghalaya. Image Credit: Scipio African for Wikimedia Commons. The inhabitants of Khasi hills worship Goddess Ka Blei Synshar and celebrate the plentiful harvest with vigour and excitement. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem brings ultimate joy and happiness to the community.

  3. Indian Harvest Festivals (UPSC Notes)

    Find the List of Indian Festivals, by clicking the link attached.. Key Facts about Indian Harvest Festivals Makar Sakranti: Makar Sankranti is India's oldest and most colourful harvest festival, celebrated across the country.; People in Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab, in particular, celebrate the harvest of fresh crops with bonfires, carnivals ...

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    Poush Parbon is an important festival in West Bengal and is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks for the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the end of the harvesting season. 6. Onam in Kerala. Onam is a major annual harvest festival that is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala.

  5. Harvest Festivals Of India: The Celebration Of Nature's Generosity With

    The South Indian harvest festivals are different from North Indian harvest festivals. Pongal, Onam, and Ugadi are the famous harvest festivals of South India. These festivals are celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana. All these festivals help one know about the culture of South India.

  6. Harvest Festivals in India, List of Festivals and Significance

    Harvest festivals in India, celebrated across diverse states, express gratitude for abundant harvests. Each state's unique celebration involves rituals, cultural events, and traditional practices. Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Lohri mark the winter harvest, while festivals like Baisakhi and Bohag Bihu signify spring harvests.

  7. Reaping ripe: The story of why we celebrate harvest festivals

    The panchang is the traditional Hindu calendar, based on the movements of moon, and holds importance for our agriculture. It is often referred by farmers to plan their sowing and reaping season, learn about the weather and potential climatic events, plan harvest, etc. If you map the agrarian festivals of India in the Gregorian calendar, it will ...

  8. Essay on Festivals of India and Its Importance

    February 7, 2024 by Prasanna. Festivals of India Essay: Festivals of India essay educates the students about India's vast cultural legacy. With various cultures and religions spread over the country, there are countless festivals celebrated in India. From an academic perspective, students must know about the various festivals celebrated ...

  9. Harvest Festivals of India

    Nabana is a popular West Bengal harvest festival where the harvest of new rice is celebrated. The first grains are offered to Lakshmi. In Odisha, Nuakhai is a harvest festival but also celebrates the coming of new over the old. Onam Celebration - Wikimedia. In southern India, Pongal is in fact, just another name for Makar Sankranti in the north.

  10. Festivals of India Essay for Students in English

    500+ Words Essay on the Festivals of India. India is a land of fairs and festivals. People of different religions and communities live here and therefore, many festivals are celebrated in India every year. One can capture the Indian tradition and culture best at its fairs and festivals marked by dance, music, sweets, etc.

  11. 16 Spectacular Harvest Festivals in India

    Here is an insight into the 16 most popular harvest festivals of India. Festivities of the Fields: How Indians Celebrate the Harvest Season. Makar Sankranti. It falls around 14th of January each year and is the oldest harvest festival of India, celebrated in Northern and Western regions of the country. On this day, the harvesting of new crops ...

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    People in India celebrate a wide variety of festivals every now and then among which the harvest festivals occur depending on the climate conditions and cropping pattern of regions. The 13 most popular harvest festivals include Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Baishakhi, Pongal, Onam, Nabanna, Bihu, Ladakh Harvest Festival, Nuakhai, Gudi Padwa, Vishu ...

  13. 7 Popular Harvest Festivals in India

    7. Makara Sankranthi. Photo by Bhavishya Goel, CC BY 2.0. Makara Sankranthi is a harvest festival and as its name suggests it falls in the month of January. Makar Sankranthi is celebrated all over the country in different names. It is the first transition of the sun after the winter season and it marks a new beginning.

  14. Festivals of India Essay for Students and Children

    The religious festivals are one of the most famous festivals not only throughout India but over the world. Some of the most prominent religious festivals are Diwali, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Christmas, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Holi and many more. Diwali and Holi are the most prominent festivals of the Hindu religion. They are very colorful and full of lights.

  15. India's winter harvest festivals: A celebration of cultures

    Festivals. India's winter harvest festivals: A celebration of cultures From Punjab's Lohri, Assam's Bhogali Bihu, Maharashtra's Uttarayan, Bengal's Makar Sankranti, Chhattisgarhi Sukarat, to the ...

  16. List Of 15 Harvest Festivals Of India With States:

    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.

  17. Festivals of India Essay for Students in English

    The most prominent religious Festivals that we celebrate are Dussehra, Diwali, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Christmas, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Holi, etc. Dussehra and Diwali are considered to be the prime religious Festivals of India. The states celebrating these Festivals get decorated like a new bride. New colourful dresses and tasty things to eat are the prime ...

  18. Essay on Harvest Festivals of India

    Here is the list of all major harvest festivals of India. Makar Sankranti - This festival is celebrated in January and it has many different names. It is also known as Pongal in South, Lohri in North and it has many other names. A lot of people fly kites during this festival to celebrate the harvest season.

  19. Festivals Celebrating Regional Harvests in India

    This is one of the most colorful harvest festivals of India celebrated for 4 days. It is amongst the most popular festivals of Tamil Nadu. The first day is the Bhogi Festival devoted to Lord Indra for an abundance of rain. On the second day, newly harvested rice and milk are cooked outdoor and offered to Sun God. The third day is for cattle ...

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    Celebrated somewhere around April, the Bihu harvest festival lasts for an entire month and is observed all across Assam with high spirits of appreciation. Date: Tuesday, 14 April - Monday, 20 April. 7. Nuakhai. Nuakhai is an annual harvest festival in Odisha, celebrated to welcome the season's new rice.

  21. Essay on Festivals of India and Its Importance

    June 9, 2022 by Prasanna. Festivals of India Essay: Festivals of India essay educates the students about India's vast cultural legacy. With various cultures and religions spread over the country, there are countless festivals celebrated in India. From an academic perspective, students must know about the various festivals celebrated across India.

  22. National Festivals of India Essay for Students in English

    In India, it is celebrated on a large scale as well. It is celebrated on the 25th of December, every year and is followed by the New Year. There are other National Festivals that are celebrated in India as well. These include Maha Shivratri, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Rakshabandhan, Gurpurab, Makar Sankranti.

  23. Indian Festivals: Exploring The Colors, Culture & Spirit Of India

    Rath Yatra: A Sacred Chariot Festival Celebrating Spirituality, Culture, and Unity. Festival Team 9 months ago06 mins. The ancient Hindu festival of Rath Yatra, which is observed with incredible passion and devotion, is of extreme significance to Indian culture and spirituality. The majestic procession of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra ...