Lohri is a popular festival, celebrated by Punjabi
people of the Indian subcontinent, particularly of Hindu and Sikh faith. The
festival of Lohri which marks the end of winters is celebrated across most
Northern parts of India, especially in Punjab and Haryana. Lohri is celebrated
every year on 13th January, a day before Makar Sankranti (another
religious festival), in the month of Magh (a season as per the Sikh calendar).
Being one of the harvest festivals of Punjab, Lohri holds great significance
for the people residing in the state and even for many other states. The
festival of Lohri is considered to be extremely auspicious, as it marks the
entry of the Sun into the ‘Makar Raashi’ (Sun Sign: Capricorn).
Over time, people have associated Lohri to the tale of Dulla
Bhatti. The origin of the festival is related to the central character of most
popular Lohri song i.e., Dulla Bhatti, a robber who lived in Punjab during the
reign of Emperor Akbar. Although he was a robber, he used to release Hindu
girls who were forcibly sold in the slave markets of Middle East. After
rescuing those girls, he used to arrange their marriages to Hindu boys. This
noble cause changed his image from a being a dacoit into a hero. Hence, every
Lohri song has words to express thankfulness to Dulla Bhatti.
Traditional Celebrations
In the morning, little boys and girls go door-to-door singing
the famous song related to this festival i.e. ‘Sundar mundariye hoye’, to collect
the funds for the community bonfires, to be lit-up in the evening. Huge wooden
logs are arranged together for a bonfire. Once the bonfire is lit, people take
three rounds of the bonfire and pray to the Agni (Fire As God) for abundant
crops and prosperity, simultaneously putting in popcorns, peanuts and rayveris(a
sweet). Once the prayers are over, the Prasad (SACRAMENT) of til (SESAME Seeds),
peanuts, rayveri, puffed rice, popcorns, gajak(jiggery and peanuts caramelized)
and sweets is distributed. Following this, people perform the traditional
Punjabi folk dances- Bhangra and Giddha around the bonfire.
Some tips
to celebrate
So, stay safe and celebrate Lohri with
family and friends with happiness and joy. - Tell your children the story behind celebrating Lohri.
- Dress-up your children in new traditional clothes.
- Teach your children the famous Dulla-Bhatti song.
- Brighten up your home by decorating it with lights.
- Invite your relatives and friends at your place to celebrate the festival of Lohri together.
- Prepare traditional dishes such as Sarson da Saag, makki ki roti, kurmure laddu etc.
- Encourage your children to plant new trees and saplings; since a lot of trees are cut down to arrange the wooden logs for the bonfire.
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