Fashion

From Fire to Rice to Rhythm: Pongal, Lohri Harvest festivals

When is the Harvest Festival

The much awaited harvest festivals will kick off in the country starting on the 13th of January 2026. India is a diverse country with a mix of cultures, rituals & memories. However, this agrarian harvest festival is a major festival & is celebrated among rural communities across India for centuries. It is rooted in astronomy & agriculture. Rice, sugarcane, turmeric, & jaggery are integral to the festivities. It is a shared feeling across India & is celebrated in multiple ways. Cooking a rice dish with jaggery, a dip in the holy Ganges, dancing & singing around bonfire, kite flying, taming the bull & so on. The festival is known by different names in different parts of India–Lohri, Pongal, Bihu as well as Makar Sankranti.

Pongal, is celebrated in South India and Makar Sankranti in several other regions of India. Lohri, is celebrated on January 13 each year with joy and enthusiasm in Punjab & North India. Magh Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam in the North East. In addition, the harvest festival, BIHU, is celebrated in Nepal too.

Makar Sankranti

The day is marked in the calendar as the sun’s journey from the southern to the Northern hemisphere. It is the first day the transmigration of the sun into the zodiac of Capricorn (known as makara rashi in the Indian calendar) from Sagittarius. Hence the festival is popularly known as Makar Sankranti. The word Sankranti means transition. In addition, it is the end of the winter solstice and the end of the harsh winter in North India. In other words, it marks the beginning of the spring season & longer days. This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15th.

LORI FESTIVAL

Lohri is a popular winter harvest festival celebrated mainly in North India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Delhi. It holds great cultural and agricultural significance and marks the end of the cold winter season. Read on to know more about the festivals (

When is Lohri Celebrated?

Lohri is celebrated every year on 13 January, a day before Makar Sankranti. It coincides with the time when the sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan), signaling longer days and the arrival of warmer weather.

How is Lohri Celebrated?

Lohri festivities mainly take place in the evening. People gather around a bonfire, which is the central attraction of the celebration. They walk around the fire, offer foods like rewri, peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, and jaggery, and pray for prosperity and good harvest. Traditional Punjabi songs and folk dances such as bhangra (by men) and gidda (by women) are performed with great enthusiasm. Families and friends come together, exchange sweets, and share festive meals.

Why is Lohri Celebrated?

Lohri is celebrated to thank nature and the Sun God in particular, for a successful harvest and to pray for agricultural prosperity in the coming year. It is especially important for farmers as it marks the harvesting of rabi crops like wheat and sugarcane. Lohri is also associated with the folk legend of Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who helped the poor and is remembered during the celebrations.

Pongal Festival:

Pongal is an important harvest festival of South India, especially celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a thanksgiving festival that shows gratitude to nature for a good harvest.

When is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated every year in mid‑January, usually from 14 January to 17 January. It marks the beginning of the Uttarayan period, when the Sun starts moving northward and the days become longer.

Why is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated to thank the Sun God, Mother Nature, and farm animals for helping farmers grow crops. It marks the end of the harvest season, especially the harvesting of rice, sugarcane, and other crops. The word “Pongal” means “to boil over”, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Who Celebrates Pongal?

Pongal is mainly celebrated by:

Tamil people in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of the world.
Farmers and agricultural families, though today people from all walks of life celebrate it.

How is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated over four days, each having special importance:

1. Bhogi Pongal

Old things are thrown away and homes are cleaned. Bonfires are lit, symbolizing new beginnings.

The 1st Day of Pongal festival- Bhogi

This first day is celebrated as Bhogi festival in honour of Lord Indra, the rain god. People clean homes and all the rubbish is thrown to burn. A bonfire is prepared and the unwanted items form the field and the homes are thrown into it. This symbolizes a new beginning. A special sweet, Poli, is prepared with flour and jaggery on this day. The flour is rolled like a stuffed roti(flat bead) with jaggery in the middle. This is similar to the Lohri & Bihu festival.

Villages and rural towns in Tamil Nadu are festooned with colourful flowers, garlands and buntings. There is an air of celebration and bonhomie everywhere. It is the Pongal festival. It is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu. There is folk music playing from the loudspeakers, flashy and ostentatious decorations all over the town and groups of boisterous youngsters roaming around village fairs. Farmers are dressing up their cows and getting ready for the festival. It is certainly the time of the year that villagers look forward to. The landowners and the peasants come together in the village to celebrate this festival. Further, families come together during this time of the year.

2. Thai Pongal. Thai is the month in which the festival is celebrated.

Main day of the festival. The 2nd day is the Pongal festival.

Pongal Dish

As a matter of fact, Pongal, is also the name of the dish cooked on that day. Rice, lentils and milk are boiled on earthen pots over wood or coal in the courtyard. A turmeric plant is tied around the pot. The whole family gathers around the pot and cries “Pongalo Pongal” while clanking pots & pans, when the water boils over the pot. This symbolically refers to “ Let the food be bountiful and let our lives overflow with joy and happiness.”

People pray to the Sun God for prosperity. In addition, homes are decorated with Rangoli or kolam. It is done with white rice powder and coloured powders. People are attired in new clothes. Sugarcane, coconut and bananas are offered to the God.

Sankranthi Muggulu

For instance, in the state of Andhra, which is adjacent to TamilNadu,the rangoli is known as Sankranthi Muggulu. They are done on the floor with coloured powders. Muggulu is Rangoli in Telugu language.

3. Mattu Pongal

Dedicated to cattle which help farmers in farming. Cows are decorated and worshipped.

This is the auspicious day for cows. People worship the cows with garlands & colourful bells. The cows are brought to the village centre and paraded on the roads. Cattle race is part of the show. Jalli Kattu (taming of the bull) is a big sport that is practiced in some areas. There is a money tied to the horn of the bulls and they are let loose by the owners. Young men chase the bull to retrieve the money. However, there is no physical harm done to the animal in this sport although there is a continuing controversy about playing this sport as compared to other sports. People do claim that it is cruelty to animals. It is a rural sport and there are several people lobbying to retain the sport.

4. Kaanu Pongal/MAKAR SANKRANTI

Families visit relatives, friends, and enjoy picnics. Time for social gatherings and enjoyment. Homes are decorated with kolams(rangoli), people wear new clothes, and festive meals are shared. Kanu Pongal or Kanum Pongal is celebrated on the forth day.

The turmeric leaf is washed and placed on the ground. Left over pongal, sweet pongal, turmeric rice and curd rice are all placed on the leaf, along with sugarcane and banana. Further, all the women gather around and call out to the birds and feed them. They pray for the well being of their brothers and their families. The saying goes that as birds flock together, families should remain close together always. Hence the celebration. It is an occasion when married women visit their maternal homes to meet with their brothers and parents and seek their blessings. They are warmly welcomed with gifts.

Special gifts are given to girls on Pongal.

Kannu Pongal

Magh Bihu- ASSAM

Further, people in the north east celebrate this festival as Magh Bihu. There is a bonfire in the last day of the previous month and people rejoice, cook dinner and dance around the fire. For instance, rice cakes & sweets with coconut are made and young men and women dance and play games. In addition, bull fighting is also a sport that continues. In addition, shopping & wearing new clothes is an important part of the celebrations.

The harvest festivals are celebrated around the fire and rice & sugarcane are cooked and eaten across India. It is thanksgiving for the rich harvest.

Conclusion

In other words, Pongal/Lohri is a festival that celebrates gratitude, hard work, prosperity and harmony with nature. It reflects the rich agricultural and cultural traditions of India and brings people together. The sun & rain god, animals and birds are all worshipped. As a matter of fact, “Thanksgiving Harvest Festival” is a very sacred festival in India. Offering the newly cooked food to the deities, is a way of showing respect to food & all that goes into making it- from the farm to the table.

Music & Dance-cultural celebrations & SHOPPING

People celebrate the Pongal festival with music and dance performances all around the State. Shops offer special discounts on Pongal purchases. Therefore, make the most of this and enjoy shopping in Chennai.

Finally, visit theT Nagar and the Mylapore Market in Chennai to make Pongal purchases. Shops such as Sarvana Stores, RMKV andPothys all have a special discount on Pongal purchases. The Mylapore Market area near the Kapalishwar Temple organises a Rangoli competition. Enthusiastic participants cover the entire stretch of road. Women also participate in traditional Board Games.

Shop in Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar &Sarojini Nagar Markets in Delhi for new clothes and utensils.

Shopkhoj Wishes its readers a Happy Pongal/Lohri/Bihu /Makar Sankranthi.

Fashion

Horoscope Today: May 20, 2026

You may feel a bit emotional today or let’s say that a heightened sense of emotions may have been your normal for the past sometime. Aquarius, could this be because you actually do really feel a lot? But seldom share your thoughts and emotions when it truly matters. The same roads will not lead you to a different outcome, Cancer. And you are figuring it out one step at a time. The past 7 years or so may have felt like a big blur and yet, in fleeting moments, the clarity you expected has arrived. Communication is key for you, Taurus. Make it effective and healthy and it only gets better. Now show up for yourself, for those you love and for all that matters to you. Own your personal power not through arrogance or force but through that quiet knowing that you are capable and you can make things happen. You deserve the best of what you can imagine for yourself and your loved ones so get cracking on those dreams now, Aries.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

You are protected. Whatever you are experiencing currently, Aries, be it on the health front, the personal front, relationships, finances etc, there is a strong energy of protection around you right now. With all this cosmic glow-up in your sign, you better make the most of it in all the big and tiny ways. You deserve the best of what you can imagine for yourself and your loved ones so get cracking on those dreams now.

Cosmic tip: The timing is perfect for you.

Communication is key for you, Taurus. Make it effective and healthy and it only gets better. Now show up for yourself, for those you love and for all that matters to you. Own your personal power not through arrogance or force but through that quiet knowing that you are capable and you can make things happen. When you feel lost or confused, ask your guides, angels, the cosmos — whatever your belief system — to step in and assist. Breakthroughs will find you.

Cosmic tip: When you ask the cosmos for help, wait to notice how it is helping you.

Your personal and love life pertaining questions may have got you thinking hard and long — sometimes in existential ways and some other times from the gaze and purview of self-worthiness. Gemini, whatever your train of thought, you have cracked the code — the underlying thread is you accepting and unfolding your truest self. Things have happened lately that help you recognise and put together pieces of yourself and your life like never before. Life is beginning to make sense and wonderfully at that.

Fashion

Pisces Horoscope Today: May 20, 2026

Stop. Right now. Pisces, there is a time to act and then there is a time for you to allow the cosmos to intervene. This is the latter. There are helpers in the divine realms that are offering and extending support and guidance. Listen to your gut and your thoughts. You know you feel a certain sense of repulsion or your energy feels like it is closing in when certain things come to the fore. Those decisions and routes are not for you even if you feel there is no other way out currently. Trust the nudge and follow through. The cosmos is guiding your every step.

Cosmic tip: Pause. Reject anything that feels off.

All the Indian stars at Cannes 2026—from Alia Bhatt to Diana Penty

Indian representation at Cannes 2026 reached a significant high across both cinema and culture. Payal Kapadia served as the president of the jury for the 65th edition of Critics’ Week, marking a major moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. Emerging filmmaker Mehar Malhotra’s Shadows of the Moonless Nights becomes the only Indian film selected for the La Cinef school films competition; meanwhile, Amma Ariyan (1986) from Kerala was set to premiere at the festival.

Ahead, we detail some of the best sartorial appearances at Cannes 2026 so far.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt delivered some of the festival’s biggest fashion moments at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Her arrival look featured a custom ensemble by That Antiquepiece, hand-painted by Basuri Chokshi. She paired the look with heart-shaped yellow diamond studs from Chopard, mules by Manolo Blahnik, and a bag by Meera Mahadevia, finishing the ensemble with soft glam makeup and a side-parted French-twist bun.

For the opening ceremony, Bhatt chose a custom coral-pink couture gown by Tamara Ralph in silk crêpe, detailed with sheer silk voile chiffon drapes around the arms. The look was accessorised with a statement necklace by Amrapali Jewels featuring 168.27 carats of rare pink coral centred around a 5.53-carat Golconda diamond, paired with square-cut Chopard earrings and an Asscher-cut diamond ring.

Fashion

9 standout saris from Janhvi Kapoors closet

The sari has become a recurring choice in Janhvi Kapoor’s wardrobe, not as a one-note style, however, but a flexible language. She moves between archival heirlooms, sheer drapes, regional weaves and experimental couture. From hand-embroidered Manish Malhotra pieces to custom Di Petsa that rework the silhouette, her sari outings span moods, moments and contexts.

In a powder-blue periwinkle sari by Manish Malhotra, Kapoor swaps traditional structure for a more body-skimming drape, featuring sheer layering, a plunging blouse and elongated cape-like drapes falling from the shoulders. At the back, an open-back blouse and trailing fringe hems add dramatic impact to the sari’s silhouette. Styled by Meagan Concessio, the sari is paired with sapphire-toned floral earrings, a gemstone bracelet and a statement ring. Kapoor paired it with a sleek ponytail and glazed makeup.

Fashion

6 classics that belong in every capsule wardrobe

Curating the perfect capsule wardrobe looks a little different for everyone, but there are a handful of staples that will benefit nearly every closet. Having a reliable collection of basics makes getting dressed easier, whether you’re a staunch minimalist who sticks to simplicity or an experimental dresser building looks upon a foundation. True luxury can be found among the classics, whether it’s a perfect white T-shirt, a well-fitting button-up or a pair of jeans.

Versatility and a neutral colour palette will be essential to unlocking your own sense of style, and the following six key clothing items are the essential building blocks for any capsule wardrobe.

The capsule wardrobe essentials

White shirt

A crisp white button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential, equally at home under a blazer for meetings or on the weekend with leggings, white sneakers and oversized outerwear. Look for cotton poplin or linen styles that breathe and hold their shape.