I belong to the Country - India with diverse cultures and festivals to celebrate throughout the year and all seasons.
The first festival of the year start from Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan , Lohri, Bhogali Bihu and Pongal from different cultures but the same occasion that is to mark the start of the harvest season.
From north to south India celebrate this festival on January 14 with different names for example Lohri celebrated by North Indians/Punjabis, Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan by Maharashtra/Gujrat, Pongal by South Indians and Bhogali Bihu by North East/Assam regions to marks the arrival of spring season in India, start of the harvest season, to bring happiness of new crops for farmers and also making the day longer than night.
In Gujrat and Maharashtra regions this festival is also referred as KITE FLYING FESTIVAL wherein people fly kites on their terraces, open grounds, gardens or wherever they get open spaces and celebrate with full vigor and festivities.
Also, this festival falls in winter season so on this festival people make "SESAME OR TIL GUL LADDUS" (Sweet Balls made up of Sesame and Jaggery), signature delicacy on this festival. Now why sesame ? because as per Hindu Mythology the lord Yama (God of Death) blessed the sesame seed and hence regarded as symbol of immortality. Also, Sesame and Jaggery has significance in Ayurveda (Indian Ancient Medicines) and has nutritional values too. They keep body warm and also increases the immunity at the same time. Sesame is Calcium rich and good for the bones and teeth. Sesame oil too is good for body massage and rejuvenating. Jaggery is loaded with minerals and antioxidants and aids digestion and two (Sesame and Jaggery) makes ideal combination of nutritious food.
On this auspicious day I wish you all STEEMITans a very happy and prosperous new year and may SUN GOD fulfils all your wishes to come true.
Love....Miliend