|
|
| Festival |
Description |
Relation to Sankranti |
Significance |
Celebration |
Difference from Makar Sankranti |
| Magh Bihu |
Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam. It marks the end of the harvesting season in the region.
|
Magh Bihu is celebrated during the same period as Makar Sankranti, as both festivals are related to the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi). It usually falls around January 14th or 15th.
|
The festival is significant for its association with the harvest. It is a time of feasting and celebration, thanking the gods for the bounty and praying for peace and prosperity.
|
Celebrations include building makeshift huts called 'Bhelaghar' with bamboo, leaves, and thatch, and preparing a grand feast. Community feasts and bonfires known as 'Meji' are lit at dawn, followed by prayers and the burning of the Bhelaghar. Traditional Assamese games and bullfights are also organized.
|
While both Magh Bihu and Makar Sankranti are harvest festivals celebrated in January, Magh Bihu is specific to Assam and involves unique traditions such as the construction of Bhelaghar and Meji. Makar Sankranti, on the other hand, is celebrated across India with different names and customs, such as flying kites and taking holy dips in rivers.
|
|
Traditional cards for Makar Sankranti
Modern art card showing spirit of Sankranti
|
|
|