Onam:- Onam is the most important harvest festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in the ending of August and beginning of September. The multi-coloured floral decorations are the essential part of this celebration. During this time, rich harvest has been reaped and granaries are full. The farmers are free from worries and anxieties and they are in the mood of rejoice and merry-making. All the activities during this season are centered around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and delicious food.

A popular legend is associated with Onam festival. In olden days, the demon king Mahabali ruled in Kerala. Due to his wisdom and benevolence, he was loved by all. In course of time, he extended his rule to the heaven and the nether world. Indra, the King of Gods sent Vishnu in the guise of a Brahmin boy named Vamana to kill Mahavali. At last, the demon-king was killed by Vamana. Before death, Mahavali requested Vishnu to come to the earth once a year to see his people and Vishnu granted this boon. Hence, the celebration of Onam is a great tribute to the sacrifice of Mahavali and his bountiousness.

During Onam, elephants take part in the procession. Elaborate procession of snake boat races on river Pampa marks the nature of the festival with delightful sensation. Onam celebration lasts for ten days. Women dressed up in new saree decorate the courtyard beautifully with rangolies and scented flowers. This festival is secular in nature and is celebrated by Hindu, Muslim and Christian alike for its piousness.

Pongal:- Tamil Nadu offers a splendid harvest festival named Pongal. It is observed for three successive days i.e. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal. In Bhogi Pongal, all the old and unwanted things are thrown away or burnt in bonfire. This burning is done all through the night with the beating of little drums by the children. This Pongal is dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of Seasons. According to the Tamils, by cleaning and brightening the surroundings, it is possible to brighten and improve one’s outlook on life also. When the fire seems to be dying, the children heap more objects on it, making the flame leap up again. Early in the morning, all the family members bath and wear new clothes.

The next day is observed as Surya Pongal in honour of the Sun God. The houses are decorated with rangolies. The Sun God moves in a chariot driven by powerful horses. After the puja, some cooked pongal is brought in a small plate and ceremonially offered to the Sun God for His blessings.

The next day is Mattu Pongal for the cows and bullocks. It is a day of thank-giving to the cattle which have served the men and their families throughout the year. They smear the forehead of cows, calves and bullocks with turmeric and kumkum, put special garland on their neck and offer prayer to them. This festival is mainly confined in the farmer’s family and women feed the cattle on this auspicious day.

Bihu:- Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of Assam. It generates great enthusiasm and high spirit among all age-groups. This exotic festival brings the people closer irrespective of religious and class barriers. The Assamese observe not only one but three Bihus. Bohag Bihu is celebrated in mid-April, Magh Bihu is held in mid-January and Kati Bihu is celebrated in mid-October. The three Bihus are connected with Spring, Winter and Autumn seasons respectively.

Among all the Bihus, the Bohag Bihu is interesting and amusing. At the advent of spring, nature is vibrant with new life. The trees, creepers and orchids are in full bloom. The air is fragrant with the scented flowers. The chirping of birds is reverberated through the hills and plains. In this calm and sweet atmosphere, people sing, dance, play games and enjoy themselves. This Bihu is otherwise known as Rangoli Bihu. The Magh Bihu is celebrated at the time of harvesting crops in winter. In the evening, special meal is prepared and served among the family members. It is the custom for the young to show respect to their elders and receive their blessings. The Kati Bihu is celebrated for a day and there is no feasting on this Bihu due to want of food grain.

Lohri:- Lohri is celebrated on 13th January, a day before Makar Sankranti. It is a day of fun, frolic and joy for the Punjabis. This festival is observed to increase the fertility of soil and to pray goddess Agni. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames. They sing popular songs, exchange greetings and go on merry-making with delicious dinner. Lohri is celebrated vibrantly in the family where there is a new born baby or a newly-wed man and woman. Sweets made of molasses and sesame seed are sent to the friends and relatives. Lohari marks the beginning of new financial year for the peasants. The popular song of this festival is;

“Let purity come, dirt depart,

Dirt be uprooted and its roots cast in the fire”.

Baisakhi:- Punjab is popularly known as the ‘Granary of India’. Baisakhi is the also another festival of corn and crops. This great festival is celebrated on 13th April every year. It is connected with harvesting of crops and gathering of corn. This day is also a great day of mirth and merriment. Friends and relatives are invited and great feasts are served to them. Old and young people put on new dresses. They sing and dance and visit fairs and fields, parks and gardens. It binds the Punjabis with the bond of love and affection.

In brief, Life will be dull and dreary, vapid and insipid without entertainment. Festivals break the monotony of life and bring the people closer around them. It infuses in them the sprit to do their daily work with great zest and zeal.