India, the vibrant land of diversity, rings the bells of festive joy almost every day throughout the country. These cultural, religious, seasonal festivals which reflect the spirit of India have been successfully attracting travellers to endure the joy-stirring moments. If you’re super thrilled to know, here are a few festivals to see in the month of January.
Pongal
Pongal, an auspicious harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, will be celebrated from 15 January to 18 January. On Bhogi Pongal, the first day, old belongings are discarded, and everything is cleaned and decorated with festive spirit. The main highlights of Bhogi are Bhogi fire, Pongal Panai and Bogi Pallu. Surya Pongal, the second day, focuses on Kolam or floor patterns, and every house serves fresh rice and milk. On Mattu Pongal, cows are worshipped and breathtakingly ornamented with garlands and bells. Kaanum pongal, the final day, is about visiting relatives and friends. Traditional dances like Mayilattam and kolattam are worth watching performances
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a festival of Tamil Hindus celebrated on the day of full moon or Purnima. Kavadi is the main highlight of Thaipusam where offerings for the Lord Murugan are carried. Devotees are seen tonsuring their head to piercing their tongue with “vel” a weapon used by the Lord Murugan to show their unwavering faith and sincere devotion. This year Thaipusam will be celebrated on 25th January.
Bikaner
Bikaner festival is a spellbinding two-day long festival of Rajasthan where camels are the main attraction. Camels beautifully ornamented with flowers, ankle straps, and garlands parade from Junagarh Fort to Dr. Karni Singh stadium. The second day involves tourists too with competitions like turban-tying apart from kabaddi, tug of war, wrestling etc. In 2024, the festival is expected on January 13.
Lohri
Lohri is a harvest festival celebrated in Northern India, mostly in Punjab. As a part of this festival, devotees express their utmost gratitude and pray to Surya Devta and Agni for prosperity in agriculture. They gather around a holy bonfire and dance to the rhythmic beats of dhol. Kite flying, performances like bhangra, chajja and gidda and traditional foods like makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, rewri etc are the main highlights. Lohri will be celebrated on 14th January this year.
Pattadakal dance, Makar sankranti, Bhogali Bihu, Mamallapuram dance festivals etc are the other festivals to see in the month of January.
