Festivals around the world that are similar to Sankranti in some ways
Harvest Festivals:
- Thanksgiving (North America): Celebrated in the United States and Canada on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a harvest festival that gives thanks for the blessings of the past year. It features a large feast with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other traditional dishes.
- Loi Krathong (Thailand): Celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually November), Loi Krathong is a Thai festival that involves releasing decorated baskets (krathongs) with candles and offerings onto rivers and canals. It symbolizes letting go of negativity and bad luck.
- Obon (Japan): Celebrated in mid-August, Obon is a Japanese festival that honors the spirits of deceased ancestors. Families return to their hometowns, visit graves, and offer food and prayers. Bon Odori, a traditional dance, is also performed during this time.
- Chuseok (South Korea): Celebrated on the autumn equinox (usually in September or October), Chuseok is a Korean festival that gives thanks for the harvest. Families gather together, share meals, and play traditional games.
Sun-related Festivals:
- Makar Sankranti (India): Celebrated on January 14th, Makar Sankranti marks the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s northward journey. It is a harvest festival in many parts of India, with bonfires, kite-flying, and special foods being enjoyed.
- Pongal (Tamil Nadu, India): Celebrated in mid-January, Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival that gives thanks for the sun and the land. It features a special dish made of rice and lentils, called Pongal, and other traditional foods.
- Inti Raymi (Ecuador): Celebrated on the summer solstice (usually in June), Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca festival that honors the sun god Inti. It features ceremonies, dances, and offerings to the sun.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other festivals around the world that share similar themes of harvest, thanksgiving, and the changing of the seasons.
