India is the cultural hotspots of the world, which offers cultural ethnicity, customs and various spiritual beliefs and makes it the home of people from different casts, creeds and religions. Being the land of diversity, India celebrates different kinds of festivals with absolute fervor and passion. Indian festivals are the ideal way to know about the culture and traditions of India. In fact, these festivals are the means to understand the heartbeat of people living in India. Varied occasions are celebrated throughout the year and bring a unique method of enjoying Indian culture at its best. Let’s see what festival calendar January 2016 brings to you.

Lohri

Lohri is a fun-filled celebration organized by the Punjabi community every year on 13th January in north India mainly in Punjab and Delhi. The festival celebrates the harvest season and passing of the freezing cold of the winters. It is believed that Lohri night is the longest night of the year. On this day, children collect funds by going door to door and a bonfire is arranged by community on the evening. People assemble and move around the bonfires and offer sweets and popcorn to the flames.

Makar Sankranti

Popularly known for sesame sweets and kite flying, Makar Sankranti is an important festival of India. It is the only Indian festival to be celebrated on a fixed day of the solar calendar. Makar Sankranti is mainly known and referred as a harvest festival due to being celebrated at the time when harvesting is complete. There are extraterrestrial and religious implications to it as well that make it a celebration of several beautiful things. From last many years, Makar Sankranti used to be celebrated on 14th January. However, it will be celebrated on 15th January from this year onwards up to 84 years.

Pongal

Pongal is also a harvest festival, which is celebrated in Southern and Western part of India. It is observed for three days between 14th and 17th January every year. These days are celebrated as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal. In some parts, cattle races take place to liven up the village festivities. Pongal is a vibrant and traditional festival in which several ceremonies devoted to various deities are performed. Pongal meals are prepared with ingredients supplied by the freshly gathered harvest.

Republic Day

Republic Day in India is celebrated to honor the day when it became a republic. This day celebrates the anniversary of Indian Constitution and the evolution of India from a British Dominion into a republic on 26th January, 1950. Every year, Republic Day is organized on 26 January with colorful celebrations. Soldiers march in harmony, followed by folk dancers from different states, and school children perform some cultural activities. President of India flies the tricolor flag on this occasion.

Calendar of January always comes up with different beautiful occasions. This year of 2016 has also come up with lots of festivities for Indians. You can plan a holiday trip on any of these festivals and go for beautiful experiences.