Cultural Activities (Traditional General Knowledge) (Part-IX)

Bonalu is a Hindu festival that is primarily celebrated in the state of Telangana, India. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and is observed during the months of Ashada and Shravana (July-August).

Nalwari Fair is a cattle fair celebrated in Himachal Pradesh each year in the month of March or April.

Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on Makar Sankranti in Kerala.

The festival of Uttarayan is uniquely celebrated in Gujarat. This festival is also known as Makar Sankranti.

The fourth day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. On this day, importance is given to the community and strengthening ties. The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day when cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start. The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God is honoured. The third day of Pongal is called Mattu Pongal. This day is devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do – ploughing the land.

Khichdi, Uttarayan and Lohri are different names of the Makar Sankranti festival.

Sankranti, the harvest festival, is celebrated in the month of Magh of the Hindu calendar and is known by different names in different parts of India. It is called Uttarayan in Gujarat.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat. It is known as Bhogali Bihu in Assam, Poush Kranti in West Bengal, Makar Sankaran in Karnataka, Uttarain in Jammu, Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh and Western Bihar.

Gurdwara ‘Panja Sahib’ is located in Hasan Abdal, Pakistan. It is believed to be founded by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Abhang is a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of God Vithoba.