Agrarian Festivals of India

Bihu, Onam, Pongal, Vaisakhi | Match States Guide

The correct matches are: Bihu (Assam), Onam (Kerala), Pongal (Tamil Nadu), and Vaisakhi (Punjab). All are major regional harvest festivals.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I
A. Bihu, B. Onam, C. Pongal, D. Vaisakhi
List-II
1. Assam, 2. Kerala, 3. Tamil Nadu, 4. Punjab

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Harvest festivals are universal across India, celebrated under different names and local traditions but all sharing themes of gratitude to nature and the sun.

Authentic Source Evidence


Bihu is the signature festival of Assam. Onam is celebrated in Kerala. Pongal is the primary harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. Vaisakhi marks the harvest and New Year in Punjab.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Bihu (A-1) involves three festivals in Assam, mainly Bohag Bihu (Spring).

  • Logic 2: Onam (B-2) is Kerala's harvest festival honoring Mahabali.

  • Logic 3: Pongal (C-3) is a four-day celebration in Tamil Nadu involving sun worship.

  • Logic 4: Vaisakhi (D-4) is the spring harvest festival of Punjab and the birth of the Khalsa.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which of these festivals also commemorates a major military-spiritual event?"

    Vaisakhi, which marks the day Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth in 1699.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "While these festivals have religious origins, they serve as powerful secular bonds that unite regional populations through shared agrarian cycles."

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