Harvest Festivals in India, List, Names, Significance
Harvest Festivals in India are known by various names across the states. Read on for state wise list of Harvest Festivals in India.
Deeksha Dixit14 Jan, 2025
Share
Harvest festivals in India are celebrated by the agricultural community to mark the end or onset of harvest seasons. These festivals highlight the country’s traditional roots and showcase its cultural diversity. Harvest festivals in India are observed across 28 states and 8 union territories, representing joy, gratitude, and unique traditions. Keep reading to learn more about the list of harvest festivals in India and their significance.
What is a Harvest Festival?
A harvest festival is a celebration of the season’s agricultural yield. Farmers rejoice in the abundance of crops, giving thanks to nature, gods, and deities for the harvest. These festivals are often aligned with agricultural calendars and vary depending on the state, crop cycles, and local customs. In India, harvest festivals symbolise prosperity and are a time for community gatherings, feasts, dances, and rituals. Each festival holds special cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting the ethos of the region.List of Harvest Festivals in India
India’s diverse geography and agricultural practices have given rise to numerous harvest festivals. Here’s a list of major harvest festivals in India with states:| List of Harvest Festivals in India | ||
| Festival Name | States Celebrated | Date/Time |
| Makar Sankranti | Pan India (especially in Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, etc.) | January 14 |
| Baisakhi | Punjab, Haryana, Delhi | April 13/14 |
| Lohri | Punjab, Haryana, Delhi | January 13 |
| Bhogali Bihu | Assam | January (around mid-January) |
| Onam | Kerala | August/September |
| Vishu | Kerala | Mid-April |
| Pongal | Tamil Nadu | January (typically over four days) |
| Puthandu | Tamil Nadu | Mid-April |
| Nuakhai | Odisha | September (Panchami Tithi) |
| Gudi Padwa | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh | March/April |
| Ugadi | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka | March/April |
| Nabanna | West Bengal | November/December |
| Vaisakha | Bihar | April/May |
| Chhath Puja | Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh | October/November |
| Wangala | Meghalaya, Assam | November |
| Ka Pomblang Nongkrem | Meghalaya | November |
| Dree Festival | Arunachal Pradesh | July 5 |
| Hornbill Festival | Nagaland | December (first week) |
| Hemis Festival | Ladakh | July |
Facts About Indian Harvest Festivals
India celebrates more than 20 harvest festivals across different states. These festivals mark the completion of harvest cycles for major crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Here are some key facts about Indian harvest festivals: Makar Sankranti 2025 Celebrated on January 14, Makar Sankranti is one of India's oldest and most celebrated harvest festivals. It marks the sun's transition into Capricorn and is known by names like Uttarayan, Maghi, Kicheri, etc. The festival features bonfires, kite flying, music, and dance, especially in states like Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13 or 14 , Baisakhi is a significant festival in Punjab and Haryana. It marks the rabi harvest and offers farmers a chance to thank the earth. Traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda, along with lively fairs, acrobatics, wrestling, and algoza performances are key highlights of the celebration. Pongal Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu over four days and coincides with Makar Sankranti. The festival is a thanksgiving to Mother Nature for the rice harvest, with special rituals for the Sun God , cows, and Lord Indra. It includes preparing sweet rice dishes (Pongal), decorating homes with rangolis, and showing gratitude for the harvest. Onam A 10-day harvest festival in Kerala, Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali. It’s marked by the Onam Sadhya feast, intricate floral decorations, and thrilling events like snake boat races. The festival also honors the legendary spirit of King Mahabali , believed to visit his people during this time. Bihu In Assam, Bihu is celebrated three times a year: Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu), Kati Bihu (Kongali Bihu), and Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu). Bohag Bihu, celebrated in April, marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of the harvest season. Kati Bihu, observed in October, is a quieter occasion dedicated to prayers for a good harvest. Magh Bihu, celebrated in January, marks the end of the harvest season. Nabanna In West Bengal, Nabanna is celebrated during November-December to mark the new rice harvest. Farmers offer the first grains to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by festive foods and lively fairs. The festival also signals the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, with Nabanna fairs and Payesh (Kheer) being key attractions. Lohri On January 13, Lohri is celebrated primarily in Punjab, marking the end of winter. Bonfires, singing, and dancing around the fire bring the community together to honor the harvest season. The festival is especially significant for newlyweds and newborns, with rituals seeking blessings for prosperity.Significance of Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals in India go beyond agricultural importance. They hold socio-cultural, economic, and spiritual values.- Gratitude to Nature : These festivals express thanks to nature and deities for a successful harvest.
- Cultural Preservation : Traditional dances, songs, and rituals keep regional heritage alive.
- Economic Boost : Festivities promote local markets, crafts, and tourism.
- Community Bonding : Festivals bring families and communities together, fostering unity.
- Spiritual Growth : Rituals and prayers reinforce spiritual connections with nature and divinity.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UJALA Scheme | HMPV Virus | Maha Kumbh 2025 |
| Antyodaya Diwas | National Sports Awards | Indus Waters Treaty |
Harvest Festivals in India FAQs
How many harvest festivals are there in India?
India celebrates more than 20 major harvest festivals, varying by region and crops.
Which is the most famous harvest festival of India?
The most famous harvest festival of India is Makar Sankranti, celebrated across various states with different names.
When is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 14th or 15th of January every year.
How many types of Bihu festivals are there?
There are three types of Bihu festivals in Assam: Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu), Kati Bihu (Kongali Bihu), and Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu).
Which harvest festival name is associated with Kerala?
Onam and Vishu are two important harvest festivals celebrated in Kerala.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
Get App