Ghee Sankranti which is also known as Olgia festival is celebrated on the first day of Bhado (the month of August) in Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important festivals in the state which is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and joy from time immemorial. This ancient festival in the state is celebrated during the time the crops are growing well and the milk-giving animals are also healthy. Not just this, even trees are laden with fruits. It is basically a festival that denotes the gratitude of the locals and families indulged in the occupation of farming. The reason for the celebration of this festival is marking the harvesting season and showing gratitude for prosperity.
The atmosphere is joyous and happiness is among people. In ancient times, on Ghee Sankranti, there was a tradition in which son-in-law and nephews would give presents to their father-in-law and maternal uncles, respectively. However, at the present time, the agriculturalists and artisans give presents to their land-owner and customers of the tools, in return, they also get gifts and money from them. Some most common gifts that are exchanged on this day include axes, ghee, vegetable, Binai (Oral harp), metal caliper, datkhocha (metallic toothpick) and firewood. An important ritual of this festival is pouring ghee on the foreheads and eating ghee and chapatis stuffed with urad dal.
Highlights:
- Ghee Sankranti is celebrated during the time the crops are growing well and the milk-giving animals are also healthy.
- Gifts are exchanged between landowners and farmers like axes, ghee, vegetable, Binai (Oral harp), metal caliper, datkhocha (metallic toothpick)
- 3. Ghee is poured on the foreheads and chapatis stuffed with urad dal are made with ghee for meal.
