Sisira

Shishira (Sanskrit:शिशिरः) in Hindu calendar is the season or Ritu, related to winters and cold.
It is also one among the many names of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu,and appears in the Vishnu sahasranama (Thousand names of Vishnu), and hence also a given name for boys.In the Hindu calendar Shishir is the Ritu or season related to winters and cold. It is the month of Magha and Phalguna or mid January to mid March in the calendar year. It is also one among the many names of the Hindu God Lord Vishnu, and appears in the Vishnu sahasranama (Thousand names of Vishnu), signifying "913. sisirah — He Who rushed to render help. om sisiraya namah," and hence also a given name for boys. In context, the name also refers to His swift dash to protect His devotee Gajendra "914. Sisirah — sasathi, athithvarayaa gathaH ithi. Goes with great speed. In protecting Gajendhra the Lord rushed to help dragging Garuda behind Him. SaSa means a rabbit which gets the name from SaSathi , moves fast.“ Shishiratmaka is also given in the Shiva Saharasranama as one of the Names of Lord Shiva signifying His winter or cool aspect.
During the time of Shishir Ritu, India celebrates some of the important harvest festivals. Some of major festivals celebrated during this season are: Lohri: Lohri is a popular agricultural festival celebrated with great pomp and show in the Indian state of Punjab. This festival commemorates the occurrence of winter solstice and is observed as a bonfire festival. Punjabis celebrate Lohri enthusiastically with their traditional song and dance performances. Pongal: Pongal is an important harvest festival that is celebrated on 14 January each year. The festivities extend for a period of four days and the celebrations are very grandeur in the state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal is a popular Hindu festival in which members of the farming community thank God and Mother Nature for the bountiful harvest. Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a significance harvest festival of Hindus that is observed with full gaiety in all parts of the country. In the Indian culture, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the auspicious phase. It is one of rare Hindu festivals that is celebrated on the same date even the Gregorian calendar, 14 January. Makar Sankranti celebrations can be witnessed in all parts of India, although the traditions and rituals may vary. Shivratri: Shivratri is a prime Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated on the ‘Chaturdashi’ (14th day) during the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) in the ‘Maagh’ month of the Hindu calendar. Shivratri signifies the convergence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti and is the celebration of this divine union. On this day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Parvati with full devotion to be bestowed with happiness and prosperity.