Spring (Basant):
- Songs: During spring, traditional folk songs known as "Basanti Ragas" are often sung. These songs celebrate the arrival of the season and the blooming of flowers, and are typically composed in the Basant Raga, which is a musical melody associated with spring.
- Dances: The spring season is also celebrated with vibrant folk dances such as "Phaag" and "Gair." These dances are performed to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments like the "Dholak" and the "Manjira," and are marked by colorful attire, energetic movements, and synchronized group performances.
- Festivals: The spring season is marked by several festivals, including "Basant Panchami," which celebrates the arrival of spring, and "Holi," a festival of colors that signifies the victory of good over evil.
- Special Food Preparations: During spring, people in Allahabad enjoy special delicacies like "Aloo Tikki Chaat," a savory snack made with fried potato patties topped with various chutneys and spices, and "Malpua," a sweet pancake dipped in sugar syrup.
Summer (Grishma):
- Songs: The summer season is associated with traditional songs known as "Malhar Raga," which are characterized by melodies that evoke the emotions of longing and separation during the hot weather.
- Dances: During summer, folk dances like "Kajri" and "Birha" are performed. These dances often depict rural life, love stories, and the challenges of the summer season, and are accompanied by melancholic melodies.
- Festivals: The summer months also witness important festivals like "Akshaya Tritiya," a day considered auspicious for new beginnings, and "Guru Purnima," which honors spiritual teachers.
- Special Food Preparations: To combat the summer heat, people in Allahabad often consume cooling foods such as "Sattu," a nutritious drink made from roasted chickpea flour mixed with water, spices, and yogurt, and "Lassi," a yogurt-based beverage blended with fruits, rose syrup, or spices.
Monsoon (Varsha):
- Songs: The monsoon season is heralded by songs that celebrate the arrival of rain, such as "Sawan" and "Rasiya." These songs capture the joy, relief, and romance associated with the monsoon season.
- Dances: During the monsoon, folk dances like "Ghumar" and "Lavani" are performed. These dances are typically fast-paced and rhythmic, and are characterized by intricate footwork and graceful movements.
- Festivals: The monsoon season is marked by festivals such as "Raksha Bandhan," a celebration of the bond between siblings, and "Janmashtami," which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna.
- Special Food Preparations: During the monsoon, people in Allahabad relish dishes like "Pakora," deep-fried snacks made with vegetables, meat, or fish, coated in a flavorful batter and fried until crispy, and "Bhel Puri," a savory street food consisting of puffed rice, vegetables, spices, and chutneys.
Autumn (Sharad):
- Songs: Autumn is known for its melodious folk songs called "Kajari" and "Jhoola," which often express the emotions of love and longing.
- Dances: During autumn, dances such as "Kathak" and "Bharatanatyam" are commonly performed. These classical dance forms feature elegant hand gestures, intricate footwork, and rhythmic body movements.
- Festivals: Autumn is marked by the celebration of "Dussehra," a festival that signifies the victory of good over evil, and "Diwali," the festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
- Special Food Preparations: During autumn, people in Allahabad indulge in delightful sweets such as "Gulab Jamun," milk-based dumplings dipped in sugar syrup, and "Jalebi," crispy, spiral-shaped sweet pastries dipped in sugar syrup.
Winter (Hemant):
- Songs: The winter season is accompanied by songs that evoke the feelings of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. Folk songs like "Chaiti" and "Hori" are often sung during this time.
- Dances: During the winter, folk dances such as "Garba" and "Dandiya Raas" are performed. These dances are typically performed in groups, with rhythmic clapping, energetic footwork, and coordinated movements.
- Festivals: Winter is marked by the celebration of "Makar Sankranti," a festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season, and "Lohri," a festival that celebrates the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice.
- Special Food Preparations: During the winter, people in Allahabad enjoy warm, nourishing foods like "Puliya," a rice dish prepared with local vegetables and spices, and "Malaiyo," a creamy dessert made with milk and sugar.
Overall, the city of Allahabad offers a rich tapestry of songs, dances, festivals, and special food preparations that vary with the changing seasons, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage and traditions of the region.