The first day of the Hindu new year is marked by Baisakhi, primarily a harvest festival. This is celebrated with great gusto in Punjab where Bhangara dancers, energetic and vigorous country youths enhant everybody with their ebullience.

When the sun moves into the northern constellation the Hindu almanac marks the passage with Makar Sankranti. In north India this is the day prescribed for ritual bathing which is considered particularly auspicious. In the south, the festival of Pongal coincides with Makar Sankranti and marks the reaping of the harvest and the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.

On Pongal, rice is ritually cooked and allowed to boil over symbolizing the ushering in of