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Every country in this world has different cultures and traditions- and as a result different <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=harvest+festival">festivals</a>, but sometimes all of them do end up having festivals with the same themes. 
 
One of that is the theme of a harvest festival. A harvest festival is generally a celebration of an annual harvest, which generally happens during the time of the main harvest of the particular region. 
 
As <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=india">India</a> celebrates its harvest festival in the form of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=makar+sankranti">Makar Sankranti </a>on January 15, we round up seven other countries that also have their version of a harvest festival and dig deep into how they are celebrated. 
 
Hop on this journey across the world, with Business Insider!

As India celebrates Makar Sankranti, here are how 7 countries across the world celebrate harvest festivals

Here comes one of the key festivals of 2014, the <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword> or the <keyword id="42174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makar-Sankranti">Makar Sankranti</keyword>, and several <keyword id="1453380" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="brand-marketers">brand marketers</keyword> have launched interesting campaigns to <keyword id="382268" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="leverage">leverage</keyword> the <keyword id="33914" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-occasion">festive occasion</keyword>. When you take a closer look at these campaigns, you realise that different <keyword id="31174" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="brands">brands</keyword> have different objectives – a few are eyeing an increase in sales via <keyword id="112217" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Discounts">discounts</keyword> and bonus packs; some companies are trying to socialise their products and key messages with consumers; a few are strengthening their <keyword id="35657" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="brand-equity">brand equity</keyword> and others are focused on enhancing <keyword id="1284549" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Customer-Experience">customer experience</keyword>. Another interesting observation is – all types of brands (local, national and multinational) are running campaigns across different <keyword id="2014275" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Media-platforms">media platforms</keyword>. But the clear choice is the <keyword id="6354632" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Social-media">social media</keyword>, followed by the print, <keyword id="12905" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Radio">radio</keyword> and the <keyword id="2014281" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="OOH">OOH</keyword>. <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword> emerges as the leading market for promotions, followed by <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword>, <keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>, <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>, NCR and others. 
 <keyword id="6653" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="ICICI-bank">ICICI Bank</keyword> is one of the major national advertisers during this festive season, promoting its <keyword id="1200039" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tab-Banking">Tab Banking</keyword> to facilitate new account opening from the comfort of your home or office. The bank has been advertising in newspapers, on the <keyword id="6357247" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Internet">Internet</keyword> and on billboards placed at strategic locations. The visual on the creative shows a diligent executive helping his customer open a bank account while the customer is enjoying the Uttarayan festival. The ad copy outlines a consumer-centric message with the help of a heading and a brand-centric message with the help of a sub-heading. The body copy explains a bit more about Tab Banking and provides a call-to-action. The <keyword id="529279" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="brand-positioning">brand positioning</keyword> statement has been reinforced in the closing line. Overall, all the elements look finely blended! 
 
 
 
Another print advertisement that recently appeared in <keyword id="5065" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ahmedabad">Ahmedabad</keyword> Times is that of <keyword id="6354923" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vodafone-India">Vodafone India</keyword>. The company is promoting its <keyword id="1404687" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="3G-dongle">3G dongle</keyword> as the one that offers fastest download @ 21.2 Mbps and encouraging consumers to download their favourite movies. The creative uses a kite that has <keyword id="1718" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood-stars">Bollywood stars</keyword> on it. Although the visual element is not as well blended as in the previous ad, Vodafone has managed to address the Uttarayan spirit. A local <keyword id="2014292" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Eye-care-brand">eye care brand</keyword>, <keyword id="2014295" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="R-Kumar-Opticians">R Kumar Opticians</keyword>, has also positioned the <keyword id="757" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sunglasses">sunglasses</keyword> as an essential <keyword id="2014296" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Safety-accessory">safety accessory</keyword> while flying kites. 
 
 <keyword id="150673" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dell-India">Dell India</keyword> has announced 100% <keyword id="470101" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cashback">cashback</keyword> for lucky winners who purchase a <keyword id="2014299" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dell-Inspiron-11">Dell Inspiron 11</keyword> this Sankranti. The company is primarily running its campaigns in the <keyword id="45104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Print-Media">print media</keyword> and on the Internet. Several other smaller and local brands have also announced limited period offers to lure customers. 
 
 
 Finally, a leading <keyword id="10689" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="radio-station">radio station</keyword>, <keyword id="9734" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Radio-Mirchi">Radio Mirchi</keyword> (Ahmedabad), has come up with a <keyword id="1486610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="social-initiative">social initiative</keyword> to protect two-wheeler riders from the brutal <keyword id="2014307" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patang-manjha">patang manjha</keyword> (thread) by distributing free life-saving neck safety belts in various parts of the city. In an interview, <keyword id="103028" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sumit-Aggarwal">Sumit Aggarwal</keyword>, cluster head of Radio Mirchi in Gujarat, said, “In addition to bringing <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> to the Amdavadis, we intend to evolve as a responsible media company and this activity is a step in that direction.” The campaign has received good response and commuters have been queuing up to collect the safety belts. This initiative by Radio Mirchi is presented by <keyword id="907098" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="CIMS-Hospital">CIMS Hospital</keyword>, in association with Sanghi Cement, The Grand Bhagwati and Boulevard9 Luxury Resort &amp; Spa. 
 
So while you enjoy the KaiPoChe cheers around and while you are busy admiring your kites flying high, brand marketers are holding the firki and giving dheel to the kite. 
 
About the author: Ami Shah is the co-founder and creative director of IntelliAssist. You can contact her on <a href="http://twitter.com/amishah0505" target="_parent">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://in.linkedin.com/in/amishah0505/" target="_parent">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="mailto:ami@intelliassist.in">ami@intelliassist.in</a>

How
Brand Marketers Are Engaging With Consumers This Uttarayan

If the snapshots of a frozen Niagara have chilled you to the bones and the gradual dip in mercury at home keeps you shivering, here is the best remedy to beat the last leg of the icy cold <keyword id="46788" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Winter">winter</keyword>. Celebrate <keyword id="6494293" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri">Lohri</keyword> this year with <keyword id="28762" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="fire">fire</keyword> and flamboyance – with the beating of dhol, <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">bhangra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">giddha</keyword> dancing, blazing bonfires and mithas of traditional sweets. Lohri is a popular <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, celebrated all over <keyword id="55424" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Northern-India">Northern India</keyword> in the middle of January, and Monday the 13th is the stipulated date this year. 
 Essentially a <keyword id="2012366" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rural-festival">rural festival</keyword> held in <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>, <keyword id="41646" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haryana">Haryana</keyword>, <keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword> and some parts of <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword> and <keyword id="6357972" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jammu">Jammu</keyword>, this one celebrates the bountiful harvests as the ravi crops (winter crops including wheat, barley, mustard, <keyword id="56382" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sesame">sesame</keyword> and peas) are gathered while people unite in thanksgiving and pray for prosperity. Held on the last day of the month Paush, Lohri also marks the Sun’s entry into the northern hemisphere, popularly known as <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword>. This signifies the end of the cold, dark winter days and bonfires are lit to worship the Sun – the eternal spark of life. Lohri melas (festivals) are also held every year to celebrate the occasion. 
 A week before the festival, children start gathering <keyword id="1066921" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firewood">firewood</keyword> and go from door to door, singing old folk songs and collecting their <keyword id="2012376" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri-loot">Lohri loot</keyword> – a wide variety of scrumptious sweets like <keyword id="2012377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rewri">rewri</keyword>, <keyword id="529387" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gajak">gajak</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword>, <keyword id="116024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Peanut">peanut</keyword> chikki and <keyword id="6427332" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="TIL">til</keyword> (sesame) barfi. On the D-day, after sundown, people rush to the <keyword id="2012365" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bonfire-celebration">bonfire celebration</keyword>, followed by a gala evening filled with songs, dances and feasting. The festival also holds great significance for the newlyweds and the newborns whose first Lohri is celebrated with pomp and splendour. 
 This year, too, the Lohri bashes are all set to fire up the festivities in spite of the <keyword id="517425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="biting-cold">biting cold</keyword> of the past few days. It has been partly cloudy in the national capital of Delhi, along with early <keyword id="49908" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MORNING-FOG">morning fog</keyword> and a chilly breeze, but the day gets warmer with an occasional burst of sunshine. It has not rained either, as predicted by the MeT department, and the minimum temperature on the Lohri day is expected to hover between 4 and 6°C. Incidentally, the Jaffarpur Kalan area in Delhi has already recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 1.4°C a couple of days ago. The city also witnessed the worst fog in four years, with flight and train operations coming to a standstill. 
 
Such chilly weather means the bonfires must be extra large this time and the celebrations should get bigger as the sun goes down on Monday. Start the ritual with parikrama – circling the bonfire, chanting prayers, singing folk songs and putting in loads of til (sesame), <keyword id="2012380" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Moongphali">moongphali</keyword> (peanuts), <keyword id="2012381" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chirwa">chirwa</keyword> (puffed rice) and <keyword id="82600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maize">maize</keyword> (<keyword id="74000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Popcorn">popcorn</keyword>) into the fire, as the old custom demands. Some even pour milk and water near the circle of fire. These prayers and offerings to the Sun are said to bring peace, harmony and prosperity throughout the year. When the parikrama is over, it is time to exchange gifts and distribute the prasad or puja offerings that mostly include peanuts, til, gajak, jaggery and other munchies. 
 
 
 
But Lohri also signifies a great celebration of life – dancing, feasting and revelry that bring in good cheer. So it’s time to go balle balle with some dazzling outfits, lively dance numbers, Patiala pegs and lip-smacking <keyword id="33659" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-Cuisine">Punjabi cuisine</keyword>. Women can’t go much wrong with the <keyword id="2012402" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lohri-fashion">Lohri fashion</keyword>, though. A <keyword id="2012403" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patiala-suit">Patiala suit</keyword> with bright-hued <keyword id="531498" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Phulkari">phulkari</keyword> work or heavily embellished <keyword id="6481130" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="zardozi">zardozi</keyword> designs, matching dupatta and gold/kundan jewellery complete the <keyword id="2012391" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ethnic-ensemble">ethnic ensemble</keyword> for this occasion. Go for bold colours and bright shades – not only for your outfit but also for your make-up. The more adventurous can always try glitter and rhinestone make-up to add some extra dazzle. Sport a front puff or a chotti (braid) with a parandi (decorative tassel) and walk out as the belle of the ball – ready to bhangra and giddha all evening, till the fire dies down. 
 Those in love with gourmet food are also looking forward to the celebrations. Start your evening with some spicy chat and tikka; wash it down with a Patiala peg or two or some sweet/salty lassi, and move on to a sumptuous dinner of <keyword id="2012392" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makhani-di-dal">makhani di dal</keyword>, <keyword id="460117" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sarson-da-saag">sarson da saag</keyword> and <keyword id="2012393" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makki-di-roti">makki di roti</keyword> (more here on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Top-Indian-Foods-For-Your-Palate-Must-try-Items-FromEvery-State/articleshow/22515429.cms">top Indian foods</a>), followed by the traditional dessert – <keyword id="2012394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gajar-da-halwa">gajar da halwa</keyword> or <keyword id="2012395" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mong-dal-da-halwa">mong dal da halwa</keyword>. 
 Although Lohri is mostly celebrated in Northern India, similar festivals are held in the East and the South. In <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>, it is <keyword id="42174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Makar-Sankranti">Makar Sankranti</keyword> on January 14, just a day after Lohri. It is considered as one of the most auspicious days and lakhs of people from all over India take a <keyword id="6365583" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holy-dip">holy dip</keyword> at the confluence of the river <keyword id="79976" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ganges">Ganges</keyword> and the <keyword id="55869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bay-of-Bengal">Bay of Bengal</keyword>. In <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, it is <keyword id="38378" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pongal">Pongal</keyword> from January 13 and the four-day harvest festival marks the start of a <keyword id="2012401" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-cycle">new cycle</keyword> as the Sun enters the northern hemisphere. And in <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>, people celebrate the <keyword id="523926" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Magh-Bihu">Magh Bihu</keyword> or <keyword id="95767" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhogali-Bihu">Bhogali Bihu</keyword> on January 14, an equivalent of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. 
 
With so many festivities coming up in the next few days, we wish all our readers happiness, prosperity, and most importantly, a thawing of the heart. Our emotions freeze up at times; our sensitivity becomes numb and our empathy well often runs dry. So what better time is there than today for a renewal of self? That’s what Lohri or the bonfire celebration is all about – it tells us to thaw out our hearts and celebrate a fresh start, a new cycle of life.

Happy
Lohri! It’s Now Bonfire Time, Folks!

10 <keyword id="18652080" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="healthy-Indian-sweet-dishes" source="Orion">healthy Indian sweet dishes</keyword> you can easily make at home Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, and one of its most celebrated aspects is its wide array of <keyword id="36610" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sweet-dishes" source="Orion">sweet dishes</keyword>. From festivals to special occasions, these sweets are an integral part of Indian culture and tradition. The good news is that you don't have to be a master chef to whip up these delightful treats in your own kitchen. Here are 10 simple and delicious Indian sweet dishes you can prepare at home: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Fruit Chaat" comment="subhead" text="Fruit Chaat">Fruit Chaat</cmsannotation> Fruit Chaat is a refreshing and healthy sweet snack. Simply chop up your favorite fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and pomegranates, and toss them together. Add a pinch of black salt, chaat masala, and a drizzle of honey for a burst of flavors. It's quick, easy, and a perfect choice for a guilt-free dessert. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Moong Dal Halwa" comment="subhead" text="Moong Dal Halwa"><keyword id="763289" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moong-Dal-Halwa" source="Orion">Moong Dal Halwa</keyword></cmsannotation> Moong Dal Halwa is a luscious and aromatic dessert made from Moong dal. Roast the lentils, grind them into a fine paste, and then cook them with ghee, sugar, and a dash of cardamom. This sweet delight is rich and indulgent, perfect for celebrations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sooji Halwa" comment="subhead" text="Sooji Halwa"><keyword id="5929340" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sooji-Halwa" source="Orion">Sooji Halwa</keyword></cmsannotation> Sooji Halwa, also known as Semolina Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and water. It's quick to prepare and has a comforting, homely flavor. Garnish it with nuts and raisins for that extra crunch. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Coconut Barfi" comment="subhead" text="Coconut Barfi">Coconut Barfi</cmsannotation> Coconut Barfi is a sweet delicacy made with grated coconut and condensed milk. Mix them together, cook until it thickens, and then cut it into squares or diamonds. The delightful coconut flavor and sweetness make it an all-time favorite. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Carrot Halwa" comment="subhead" text="Carrot Halwa">Carrot Halwa</cmsannotation> Carrot Halwa, or Gajar Ka Halwa, is a delightful dessert prepared by cooking grated carrots with milk, sugar, and a touch of cardamom. It's a vibrant and flavorful dessert that's enjoyed all year round. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Til Ladoo" comment="subhead" text="Til Ladoo">Til Ladoo</cmsannotation> Til Ladoo is a sweet treat made from roasted sesame seeds and jaggery. These small, round balls are rich in nutrients and provide an earthy, nutty flavor. They are especially popular during the festival of Makar Sankranti. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Seviyan Kheer" comment="subhead" text="Seviyan Kheer">Seviyan Kheer</cmsannotation> Seviyan Kheer is a sweet vermicelli pudding cooked in milk and sugar, infused with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits. It's a quick dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rice Kheer" comment="subhead" text="Rice Kheer"><keyword id="4028114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rice-Kheer" source="Orion">Rice Kheer</keyword></cmsannotation> Rice Kheer, also known as Rice Pudding, is a creamy dessert made from rice, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom. It's a beloved sweet dish enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lauki Kheer" comment="subhead" text="Lauki Kheer">Lauki Kheer</cmsannotation> Lauki Kheer is a unique sweet made from bottle gourd (lauki), milk, and sugar. This dessert has a light and refreshing flavor, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthier sweet option. These 10 Indian sweet dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. Whether you're celebrating a festival or just craving a sweet treat, these recipes will allow you to savor the authentic flavors of Indian sweets right in your own kitchen. So, put on your chef's hat and start cooking up these delightful desserts! Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/celery-seeds-checkout-its-nutritional-value-health-benefits-and-uses-of-celery-seeds/articleshow/103328997.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Celery seeds: Nutritional Value, health benefits, uses and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/webstories/neem-natures-gift-for-beautiful-skin/slidelist/103284305.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Neem: Nature's gift to Beautiful</a>

10 healthy Indian sweet dishes you can easily make at home

<ul><li><keyword id="1324001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="winter-solstice" source="Orion">Winter solstice</keyword> takes place on December 21-22 in the Northern Hemisphere.</li><li>The event marks the beginning of the winter season.</li><li>It finds a historical significance in many cultures.</li></ul>The solstice, which is a biannual event, gives us the longest day and night alternatively. The winter solstice marks the “beginning of winters” in the Northern Hemisphere with the <keyword id="8475554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="longest-night" source="Orion">longest night</keyword> of the year. The same day is marked by people in the Southern Hemisphere as the beginning of summer as they experience the longest day of the year. As we are closer to the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s take a look at what happens on the day and what it means to the people. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is the Winter Solstice?" comment="subhead" text="What is the Winter Solstice?">What is the Winter Solstice?</cmsannotation> It is the longest night and the shortest day of the year and takes place between December 21-December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and between June 20- June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere each year. During the event, the Sun is the farthest away from places in the respective hemispheres and shines on the Tropic of Capricorn. The earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees when the solstice occurs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="When will we experience the winter solstice in 2022?" comment="subhead" text="When will we experience the winter solstice in 2022?">When will we experience the winter solstice in 2022?</cmsannotation> The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on December 21, 2022 at 03:18 IST. Although it usually takes place on December 21, it occasionally occurs on December 22 as well. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Significance of the winter solstice" comment="subhead" text="Significance of the winter solstice">Significance of the winter solstice</cmsannotation> Winter solstice is also known as the “return of the sun” as it marks the beginning of more sunlight on Earth. After the solstice, the days start to get longer and the nights shorter as more sunlight starts falling on the Earth. It also has historical significance in festivals as the Ancient Romans celebrated the day as the return of Saturn, their God of agriculture. In the United Kingdom, people celebrate the Winter Solstice by visiting Stonehenge to witness the sunrise and sunset. The festivals Christmas and Hanukkah are said to have an association with pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice. In India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the end of the month with the shortest day. The solstice is also celebrated in Japanese and Chinese cultures. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/upcoming-whatsapp-new-features-will-enhance-admin-control-in-groups-add-shortcut-for-quick-replies-and-more/articleshow/88387262.cms">Upcoming WhatsApp features: New admin controls, shortcuts for quick replies, message reactions and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/how-to-watch-james-webb-telescope-launch-live-on-december-24/articleshow/88383075.cms">James Webb telescope: How to watch NASA’s largest and most powerful space science telescope launch on Dec 24</a>

Winter solstice: All you need to know about the longest night of the year

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An Indian man died after being stabbed by a rooster he was training for <keyword id="767171" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="cockfighting">cockfighting</keyword>.</li><li>The rooster had been outfitted with a three-inch knife on its leg.</li><li>Though cockfighting is illegal in most countries, it continues to attract fans.</li></ul>A rooster fitted with a knife around its foot stabbed its owner to death during practice for an illegal cockfight in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>.Thangulla Satish, 45, died of blood loss after the rooster repeatedly stabbed him in the groin with a three-inch knife that had been tied around the animal's leg, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/hyderabad-india-asia-pacific-da0d7af619cd3cc812e5b00696e87de6?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=APedium=AP">Associated Press</a>. Satish was among 16 people organizing the cockfight in the village of Lothunur in the Indian state of Telegana, the AP reported.Authorities are currently searching for the other 15 organizers, who could be charged with manslaughter. They each face up to two years in prison, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/28/indian-rooster-kills-owner-during-cockfight">according to Al-Jazeera</a>. Animal rights activists say the sport is especially cruel because it takes advantage of the birds' natural survival mechanisms in forcing them to fight.To make matches gorier, some cockfighting trainers fit their birds with what's known as a "gaff" - a long, dagger-like knife attached to the animal's foot. Birds often will have many of their feathers plucked out before matches to make it more difficult for their opponents to attack, according to the <a href="https://www.upc-online.org/cockfighting/true_killers.html">ASPCA.</a>They are also sometimes drugged with methamphetamines to enhance their aggressiveness.Even birds that win their matches often <a href="https://www.upc-online.org/cockfighting/true_killers.html">suffer injuries so severe</a> that they, too, are killed. Despite India's Supreme Court outlawing the practice in the 1960s, cockfighting continues to be popular in many of the country's southern states.In the US, cockfighting is considered a felony in 42 states, though federal authorities continue to regularly break up fighting rings around the country. In August of last year, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/04/cockfighting-california-authorities-roosters-raid/5579416002/">busted a ring </a>with more than 2,000 birds, USA Today reported.Authorities in New York - in a 2014 sting they dubbed "Operation Angry Birds" - arrested more than 70 people and confiscated more than 3,000 birds, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2014/02/10/70-arrested-in-new-yorks-largest-ever-cockfighting-bust/">New York Post reported</a>. This is not the first time a bird handler has been killed by a gamecock. Last year, a 55-year-old <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/1-dies-in-andhra-pradesh-cockfight-mishap-several-injured-in-group-clashes/articleshow/73317000.cms">Indian man from Andhra Pradesh died</a> after a gamecock slashed him in the neck and abdomen during a match held to mark the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti. And in 2018, a 34-year-old man from Rajavaram, India, <a href="https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-03-17/Man-dies-during-cockfight/367085">bled to death</a> after a rooster gaff pierced his thigh and testicles.

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