2017-01-14 Sat

India is a country where we all love celebrating festivals. But today’s day is special as it is a very auspicious day. Festivals like Makara Sankranti(Northern India and Nepal), Magh Bihu (Assam), Maghi (Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh) and Pongal (Tamil Nadu) all are celebrated today.

Makar Sankranti is observed at the beginning of the Capricorn period under the sidereal zodiac, on either 14 or 15 January, and signifies the arrival of warmer days. People celebrate it by flying kite and having “Til Ladu” to keep their body warm. Maghi is celebrated in Punjab which has a similar significance to Makar Sankranti.

The Magh Bihu is a harvest festival in Assam. This festival is enjoyed with preparing feasts of seven different tastes and a bonfire.

Pongal is a harvest festival of thanksgiving in Tamil Nadu. In an agriculture based civilization, the harvest plays an important part. The farmer cultivating his land depends on cattle, timely rain, and the sun. Once a year, he expresses his gratitude to these during the harvest festival.

India Post has two beautiful colorful festive stamps. One stamp depicts a patang and firki having face value of INR 5. While the other shows the harvest festival Pongal of INR 5 by depicting a farmer, a bull, cow suckling and fruits! Isn’t this very beautiful?

So which one are you celebrating? Spread love and kindness.
Happy Celebration and happy collecting!