Winter harvest festivals of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal are celebrated in January. These festivals are observed in different parts of the country and celebrate India’s spirit of unity in diversity. Lohri is observed just a day before Makar Sankranti in Punjab, Haryana and other northern states. This festival marks the end of the sowing season and is celebrated with a bonfire. Sesame seeds, jaggery, gajak, rewdi and peanuts are offered to the fire as people do parikrama around it.
Lohri also marks the end of winter months and the start of long summer days. Folk songs are an important part of Lohri. Many folk songs on Lohri feature Dulla Bhatti, a legendary hero who led a rebellion against the Mughal empire. Some popular dishes that are prepared on this day include Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag, Pinni, Gur Gajak, Dahi Bhalle and Gur Halwa.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi, is celebrated in the western part of India. This festival marks the Sun's transit into Makara or Capricorn, which means the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
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