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Bhogali
Bihu of Assam in east India could be regarded as the matching
counterpart of the Tamil Pongal festival. The nightlong feast with
family and friends along with the preparation of traditional
Assamese goodies, and the early morning worship of the Indian God
of fire - Agni, are some of the major highlights of this festival.
In West Bengal, it is celebrated in the form of a festival cum
fair called Ganga Sagar Mela. However, this fair is not confined
to the Bengalis only as people from all over India come to visit
the Ganga Sagar beach with the belief that a dip in the holy bank
will absolve them of their sins.
In Punjab and its neighbouring states, this day is
celebrated, as Lohri. It marks the coming of spring and the
approaching end of winter. Fires are lit as dusk approaches.
Arrangement for feasts among family and friends and gatherings
around the sacred bonfire, and an exchange of greetings and
pleasantries mark the festival celebration here.
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