International Harvest Festivals like Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a festival which aims at
thanking the mother Earth and celebrating the harvest of crops. It is said to
be one of the most selfless festivities which does not have a wish or intention
to be fulfilled and rather aims at thanking the nature. Not only does India
celebrate the harvest festival, there are many countries around the world which
celebrate harvest time by doing different activities.
Let’s discuss about the international festivities similar to Makar Sankranti
Thanksgiving
All of you must have heard about this very famous festival celebrated in the United States of America. It is a national USA holiday and falls on the fourth Tuesday of November where people socialize with their loved ones. Families and friends come together to have a delightful dinner of extra unique delicacies consisting of a whole Turkey meal and some other signature dishes. It originated in 1621, when Pilgrims celebrated their successful wheat crop with a three-day feast where they shared their meal of patridge, wild turkey and fish with Native American tribes.
Moon Festival
China is yet another country who values their agricultural resources and so do they celebrate it with a lot of pomp and show. The famous Moon festival of China is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar in honour of the harvesting of the rice and wheat crops. During the Festival, families gather together to view the full moon which is regarded as a symbol of harmony, luck and abundance. They consume different varieties of moon cakes with a good cup of piping hot Chinese tea and have an overdose of lanterns!
Bali Rice Harvest
Indonesia – the land of rice! This country does not forget to celebrate its uniqueness which lies in a large scale production of rice. During this festival, villages are decorated with flags and simple bamboo temples dedicated in honour of the goddess are erected in the most sacred corners of the rice fields. People come together to rejoice the crops and feast together in a large scale.
Sukkot
Israel – the land of desserts! They make sure to celebrate their ancient lifestyle till now. Celebrating Israel’s bountiful harvests, this festival recalls the time when the Israelites wandered the desert living in temporary shelters. As a result, families build makeshift huts, or sukkah with roofs open to the sky where they eat and sometimes sleep for seven days.
Lammas Festival
Lammas Festival is celebrated in the United Kingdom and it marks the abundant production of crops. They do boost their quality production of wheat by baking bread and leaving them in the altars of the Church.
Maderia Flower Festival
For sure a bit different from the other harvest festivals! Portugal enjoys celebrating the beautiful fragrant wind and arrival of spring. The streets seem mesmerizing with the beautiful flowers spreading all around.
KNOW MORE ABOUT MAKAR SANKRANTI
Makar Sankranti Puja and Rituals , Vrat Katha and Vidhi