Ghee Sankranti

Date: 16 August 2024

Ghee Sankranti is a festival that portrays the gratitude of the locals who earn a living via the occupation of farming by marking the onset of the harvesting season. It is also known as the 'Olgia' festival and is celebrated on the first day of August (Bhado), a time wherein the crops are thriving, and the milk-laden cattle are ready to be milked. In terms of how the celebration has gradually evolved from over the years, the ancient tradition saw nephews and sons-in-laws give presents to their maternal uncles and fathers-in-laws respectively. However, today's context is summarised by the fact that agriculturists and artisans give presents to their landowners. Common presents that are exchanged include axes, ghee, datkhocha (metallic toothpick) and firewood. An important ritual of this festival includes that of eating ghee and chapatis stuffed with urad dal!