How India Celebrates Winter: Festivals, Food, and Fun Facts
- Weather, Condition and Duration: In India, winter happens from December to February. But how cold it is and how long it lasts depends on where you are in the country. In the north and center, it’s cold and dry, while in the south and on the coasts, it’s mild and humid. The Himalayas get snow and freezing temperatures, while the Thar Desert stays warm and sunny.
- Festivals: During winter, India has many festivals that show its diverse cultures and religions. Some of the big ones are Christmas, New Year, Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Republic Day, Basant Panchami, and Maha Shivaratri. People celebrate with different traditions, like bonfires, flying kites, and offering harvests.
- Agriculture: Winter is also when farmers grow and collect crops. Wheat, barley, mustard, peas, and sugarcane are some of the crops. These are called “rabi crops,” which means “spring harvest” in Arabic. They need less water and more cold than the “kharif crops” grown in summer.
- Tour & Travel: Many people like to travel during winter in India. Popular places include Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Agra, Kashmir, Shimla, and Darjeeling. These spots offer things like beaches, forts, wildlife, and snowfall.
- Health & Food: Staying healthy in winter is important too. People in India follow tips like drinking warm drinks, eating seasonal fruits and veggies, wearing layers, doing yoga and meditation, and using natural remedies like ginger, honey, turmeric, and garlic.
