Lohri is one of the most prominent festivals in northern India celebrated in Punjab and some parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. However the festival, is mainly celebrated by both Sikhs and Hindus. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the harvest of the Rabi crops. Every year Lohri falls on January 13th
This is the time when the Sun starts moving towards the northern hemisphere marking the auspicious period of Uttarayan.
Significance of Lohri:
It is celebrated by making a huge bonfire that symbolises the Sun bringing in warmth. The significance of the festival is both as a winter crop season celebration and a remembrance of the Sun deity.
It is believed that offering food items to the God of Fire on this day helps take away all negativity from life and brings in prosperity. The bonfire symbolises Lord Agni and foods like jaggery, popcorn, sesame seeds and puffed rice are offered to appease the God.
Bonfire-
The Lohri bonfire signifies discarding of old ideas, and thoughts and welcoming of new and good thoughts, prayers, and wishes to near and dear ones.
Celebration
The festival is celebrated by lighting a bonfire in the evening.People sing and dance on the beat of the dhol around the bonfire. They offer sesame seeds, jaggery, revari, popcorn, maize seeds to appease the fire God by putting them in the fire while circumambulating the bonfire. People also pray for good health and prosperity.
Lohri holds special significance for newly-married couple and a new-born child in the family. People celebrate these occasions with great enthusiasm as these symbolize fertility.
Dress and make up of ladies on Lohri
Patiala suits in bright colours like red, pink and emerald green are worn by ladies to celebrate the festival.They compliment their look with traditional jewellery, glass bangles, parandas and bold lip colors.
Food cooked on Lohri
- Sarson da Saag
- Makki di Roti
- Atta ladoo
- Dahi Bhalle
- Gur Chikki
- Pindi Channa
It is a community festival where people gather at a common place and set up a huge bonfire with various kinds of sweet delicacies on display, sing Lohri songs and dance to the beats of the dhol.
Dr Preeti Talwaraktal2012@gmail.com
Author’s Bio:
Preeti Talwar is a doctorate in science, who has worked as a Research Associate under a U.G.C fellowship, worked as a Proofreader with Thakur Publishers, Worked as a Content Writer for Planet Spark, India Go Social, Planet writer, Story Mirror, Student Star, Odds spaces. Well published on national and international media. Published for the Chicken Soup Series. Author on different forums like YourStory, Bonobology, Thrive Global, Women’s Web, The Country esquire magazine.uk, Spillwords, Sivana East, Lit Gleam Magazine, Sheroes, Different Truths. Writing is adrenaline for Preeti’s soul.
