The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Harvest festivals are significant cultural events in India, celebrated to mark the time when crops are ready for gathering. These festivals reflect the agrarian roots of Indian society and are observed with distinct regional variations across the country.
- Statement 1 is Correct: Harvest festivals mark the culmination of the agricultural cycle and the gathering of crops. They are traditionally celebrated with joy, community feasting, and thanksgiving to nature and deities for a bountiful yield. Common examples include Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri, which typically mark the winter harvest.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu (Southern India), and Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam (North-Eastern India). They are not celebrated exclusively in Western India. Western India (e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra) primarily celebrates Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan during this period.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Harvest festivals are celebrated in various parts of the country under different names and traditions. For instance, the harvest period in January is celebrated as Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Makar Sankranti in many northern and western states.
Key Takeaway: While the harvest season is celebrated pan-India, the festivals bear different names and customs based on the region: Pongal (South), Bihu (North-East), Lohri (North), and Makar Sankranti (North/West/Central).