En
Harvest (कटाई) is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. Reaping (also means कटाई) is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest typically using a scythe, sickle or reaper. The harvest marks the end of the growing season or the growing cycle for a particular crop. The social importance of this event makes it the focus of seasonal celebrations such as harvest festivals found in many religions.
The harvest festival is an annual celebration that occurs around the time of the main harvest of a given region. Ample food and freedom from the necessity to work in the fields are two central features of harvest festivals. Some of the common features of harvest festivals around the world are eating, merriment, contests, music and romance.
In India, some of the important harvest festivals are given below
Although most countries have four main seasons, India has six seasons namely, Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemant and Shishir. These seasons are known as Ritu and have religious and spiritual significance. In India seasons are considered very important and many festivals are linked to Indian seasons.
The equinox is an astronomical event that occurs twice every year. It occurs once in spring and the second time in autumn. The Vernal Equinox is also known as the March Equinox, Spring Equinox, Northern Equinox and Vasant Vishuva or Vasant Sampat.
Solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year. In summer, the solstice is the Longest Day of the Year. During the solstice, the Sun is at its highest position in the sky. In Northern hemisphere, Summer Solstice falls during mid June , while in Southern hemisphere, Summer Solstice falls during mid December.
Equinox is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year, once in spring and second time in autumn. At the time of equinox, the duration of day and night is almost equal. In Northern hemisphere, Autumnal equinox falls during September, while in Southern hemisphere, Autumnal equinox falls during March.
Solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year. During the solstice, the Sun is at its lowest position in the sky. In Northern hemisphere, Winter Solstice falls during December, while in Southern hemisphere, Winter Solstice falls during June.
In Hinduism, Solar Eclipse, which is known as Surya Grahna, is a religious event. It is believed that Surya Dev comes under the malefic influence of Rahu during Surya Grahan. Hence, sighting and coming under the influence of malefic Surya is strictly prohibited. Surya Grahan local timings, including Sutak timings are given on this page.
In Hinduism, Lunar Eclipse, which is known as Chandra Grahna, is a religious event. Most common activities e.g. reading, eating, sleeping, recreation and sighting moon are prohibited during eclipse. The city based timings for eclipse and prohibition windows are mention on this page.
