Lohri, a vibrant harvest festival, is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Its central purpose is to express gratitude to the Sun God for a successful harvest and to pray for continued abundance. The festivities are characterized by the joyful crackling of bonfires, energetic folk dances, and the sharing of sweet treats like *rewari* and *gajak*.
While Lohri is deeply rooted in the Punjabi culture, other regions of India also mark the harvest season with similar celebrations. Makar Sankranti, for example, is observed across the country and signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. This festival also involves worshipping the Sun God and seeking blessings for a prosperous year. The exchange of *til-gud ladoos*, sweetmeats made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is a cherished tradition during Makar Sankranti.
In the south, Pongal, a Tamil harvest festival, shares its name with the delicious rice pudding that forms the centerpiece of the celebrations. The festival itself is a time of thanksgiving to nature for a bountiful harvest.
Furthermore, in Assam, the harvest season coincides with the start of the Assamese New Year. This occasion is marked by traditional dances, elaborate feasts, and prayers offered to express gratitude for the bounty received from the land. These diverse celebrations, though unique in their customs and practices, all share a common thread: the deep-seated appreciation for the bounty of nature and the hopeful anticipation of a prosperous year ahead.