Warmth of the sun breaching the dull chilly winters is celebrated by people across the world. Be it the Incas or the Hindus, sun is worshipped in several cultures for bestowing light and nourishment. Let us have a look at six festivals across the world celebrated as a gesture of thanking the sun.
1. Pongal, India:
It is a three-day Hindu festival held usually throughout South India. It is celebrated on the winter solstice. Sun God is worshipped on Thai or Surya Pongal day. Kolams or decorative patterns are drawn at the entrance of the house. Thai Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil auspicious month, Thai as per the Tamil solar calendar.
2. Inti Rayami, Peru:
A traditional INCA festival that honors the sun god Inti, it is celebrated annually in Cusco, Peru, during the month of June. It is a festival which revalues the tradition of Inca ancestors. The festival includes dance, and devotion, as well as rites and offerings to the Sun God.
3. Songkran, Thailand:
The Thai New Year’s national holiday, Songkran is on 13 April every year. Songkran refers to the sun’s annual passing into the Aries constellation, the first sign of the Zodiac, which marks the traditional start of the new year. It occurs in mid-April after the rice harvest.
4. Dongzhi, China:
It is celebrated on the day when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. Thus it marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It essentially celebrates the “return” of the sun after its lowest point in the winter cycle. One of the most important Chinese festivals, it is a time for families to get together, worship their ancestors, and feast on an array of traditional delicacies.
5. Thingyan, Myanmar:
It is celebrated in mid- April each year when on the Astrological chart, the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries marking the beginning of the New Year. It is a multi-day affair that comes with its own set of rituals, customs, and traditions such as splashing water on one another and offering scented water to monks.
6. Abu Simbal Festival, Egypt:
The famous Abu Simbal temple situated in Southern Egypt is the site for celebrating the sun festival twice a year. On these days, the sunlight reaches deep inside the temple and lights up statues of four gods i.e. Ramses II, Ra, Amun, and Ptah.
7. Yule, Scandinavia:
One of the oldest winter solstice festivals, Yule festival has its origins in the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. Yule as a solstice celebration is observed by many Neo-Pagans, both as individuals and as groups. It is marked with rituals to welcome the return of the Sun. The Yule log was a large log burned for the entirety of the festival. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a special cake designed to look like a log.
8. Maghe Sankranti:
Similar to Makar Sankranti celebrated in India, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated in Nepal to mark the change in the direction of sun from South to North. During the celebration, the female members of the house prepare special delicacies like khichadi, furaula, yam and sweets made of sesame. Especially for the Tharu community of Nepal, the day is marked as the New Year.
