Tag: Festivals

Special Occasion

Makar Sankranti: One Festival, Many Names, A Shared Indian Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural traditions and astronomical significance. Observed when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara, the festival marks the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This transition symbolises light over darkness, warmth over cold, and renewal over stagnation, making it a powerful moment of optimism and forward movement.

Unlike many festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle and therefore falls around the same time every year, usually in mid-January. It coincides with the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season, when farmers across India reap the rewards of months of dedication and hard work. At its core, the festival is a heartfelt expression of gratitude—to the Sun, to nature, and to the earth that sustains life.

What makes Makar Sankranti truly unique is its celebration across India under different names, each shaped by local culture, language, and tradition. In Punjab it is celebrated as Lohri, in Gujarat as Uttarayan, in Tamil Nadu as Thai Pongal, in Assam as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, in Maharashtra as Makar Sankranti, and in West Bengal as Poush Sankrant. Across other regions, it is known as Magha Saaji, Khichdi Parv, Uttarayani, Sakraat, Makar Sankramana, Pedda Panduga, Bhogi, and many more. Though the names differ, the essence remains the same—a celebration of harvest, abundance, and new beginnings.

Traditional customs vary from kite flying and bonfires to holy river dips, community feasts, and the sharing of festive foods made from newly harvested crops such as rice, sugarcane, sesame, and jaggery. The exchange of sesame and jaggery sweets symbolises warmth, harmony, and the strengthening of relationships, reflecting the deeper values of togetherness and goodwill.

Beyond rituals and festivities, Makar Sankranti serves as a reminder of balance—between humans and nature, effort and reward, tradition and progress. It encourages people to let go of negativity, embrace positivity, and step confidently into a new phase of life. As the Sun begins its northward journey and days grow longer, the festival invites everyone to rise with hope, renew their purpose, and celebrate the shared cultural spirit that unites India.

Music

A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Stray Kids to Headline Governors Ball 2026 in New York

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Governors Ball Festival has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, confirming A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Stray Kids as the headliners for this year’s edition. Scheduled to take place from June 5 to 7 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together a diverse mix of global music talent.

The 2026 lineup reflects the festival’s genre-spanning identity, featuring artists such as Baby Keem, Kali Uchis, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Katseye, Major Lazer, Pierce the Veil and Dominic Fike. While Lorde returns to the festival for the first time as a headliner after performing in 2017, Harlem-born A$AP Rocky previously headlined the event in 2021, making his return a homecoming of sorts. Stray Kids’ inclusion further highlights the growing presence of K-pop on major Western festival stages.

Several New York-based and rising artists are also set to perform, including Geese, The Dare, Del Water Gap, Arcy Drive and Lexa Gates, alongside emerging acts such as The Backfires and Chanpan. The extended lineup also features Blood Orange, Clipse, Wet Leg, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, King Princess, Ravyn Lenae, Snow Strippers and many others, ensuring a wide-ranging musical experience for festivalgoers.

Ticket sales will begin with an SMS pre-sale on January 8, offering early access at the lowest prices, followed by a general public sale later that day. In addition, Governors Ball has partnered with Spotify to introduce an in-app experience that creates a personalized “Festival Persona” for users, along with curated playlists based on their listening habits and the festival lineup.

Following the success of its 15th anniversary edition last year, Governors Ball 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting music festivals of the summer, blending global sounds, emerging talent and established stars in the heart of New York City.

Special Occasion

Celebrating Japanese Culture Day: Honoring Art, Tradition, and Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Japan’s Culture Day, or Bunka no Hi, is celebrated annually on November 3rd and stands as one of the nation’s most cherished holidays. Established in 1948 to commemorate the promulgation of Japan’s post-war constitution, the day symbolizes peace, freedom, and the appreciation of cultural and intellectual achievements. Unlike many holidays focused on relaxation or recreation, Culture Day is dedicated to celebrating the arts, education, and the rich traditions that have shaped Japanese society over centuries.

Across Japan, communities, schools, and cultural institutions mark the day with a variety of events designed to showcase the country’s artistic, scientific, and academic accomplishments. Museums and galleries often hold special exhibitions, featuring everything from classical Japanese paintings and calligraphy to modern visual art and technology-inspired installations. Schools organize cultural festivals where students present music, theater, dance, and other creative performances, reflecting both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

One of the highlights of Culture Day is the Order of Culture award ceremony, held in Tokyo, where individuals who have made significant contributions to Japanese culture, science, or the arts are honored. This prestigious recognition underscores Japan’s deep respect for intellectual achievement and creative excellence. Additionally, many local governments and cultural organizations organize parades, traditional music performances, tea ceremonies, and martial arts demonstrations, allowing citizens and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the living heritage of Japan.

November 3rd was also chosen for its historical significance as the birthday of Emperor Meiji, whose reign from 1867 to 1912 was marked by a profound modernization of Japan. Meiji’s era saw the blending of Western influences with Japanese tradition, laying the foundation for the cultural richness that Culture Day celebrates today.

Culture Day encourages reflection on the importance of culture in everyday life, inspiring both young and old to appreciate and contribute to Japan’s ongoing legacy of artistic and intellectual pursuits. It is a day where the past meets the present: centuries-old traditions coexist with modern creative innovations, and communities come together to honor the values of knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether attending an exhibition, enjoying a local festival, or simply appreciating Japan’s artistic achievements, Culture Day offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Japanese identity.

Travel

Goa Honoured with ‘The Week’s Special Editorial Award’ for Promoting Tourism through Festivals

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.

The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”

This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.