Lohri festival is full of zest, enthusiasm, and vibrant vibes! Although it is a grand festival for the people of Haryana and Punjab, it is widely celebrated by many North Indians because of its exciting themes— bonfire, food, and limitless fun to the beats of drums! Those who know little about Lohri call it a “bonfire festival.” But there is much more than this. Swipe up to explore a deeper insight into Lohri history, origins, and its significance.
What is Lohri Festival?
The Punjab Lohri festival has a vast agricultural significance. People thank Sun God for the abundant harvest of crops that are sown in the autumn, grown throughout harsh winter, and reaped in spring. As per the Hindu calendar, Lohri is celebrated on the last day of the “Paush” month, coinciding with January 13th this year. This day also marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of spring season. From this day forward, the days tend to get longer. There is also one mythological significance of the Lohri festival. People attribute the celebration to the folk tale of the mighty hero Dulla Bhatti, who bravely successfully rescued a distressed girl and cared for her. People sing the heroic folk songs of Dulla Bhatti around the bonfire, remembering the noble values of bravery, community service, and kindness.
The day of Lohri also plays a pivotal role in the economic calendar for farmers, as per the Bikrami calendar. This serves as a reminder to collect pending rent and begin a new fiscal year. This way, Lohri helps define the agricultural and financial goals of the farming community.
How is Lohri celebrated?
Lohri is celebrated by lighting up a bonfire at dusk. Next, people gather near the bonfire. They circle around it, singing and dancing and throwing rewari, peanuts, and puffed rice into the bonfire. The significance behind this ritual is to express gratitude to the god Sun for a great harvest. The celebration is accompanied by people performing Bhangra and Gidda folk dances to the rhythmic beats of drums. The collective vibe of the Lohri is all about being grateful, elated and merry that the winter is happily over!
Lohri Festival Foods
No Indian festival is complete without the lavish spread of cuisines, and Lohri’s no exception. The main attractions of the scrumptious. The treats served in this festival help keep the body warm and nourished.
These quick treats include:
- Roasted peanuts
- Sesame laddoo
- Dried fruit chikki
- Murmura laddoo
- Jaggery/sugar-coated rewari
- Pinni
- Til barfi
- Popcorn
- Gajjak patti
The feast of the Lohri includes these meals:
- Makke ki roti
- Sarson ka saag
- Chane ka saag
- Pindi chole
- Amritsari chole
- Dal makhani
- Gur ka halwa
What Does the Modern Celebration of Lohri Look Like?
The rituals of Lohri celebrations haven’t changed much apart from the touch of technology allowing people to celebrate this fest with a broader circle on social media, sharing online messages and posting pictures on their stories. People away from home celebrate Lohri in their apartments and community halls. Grand-scale themed parties are arranged where popular singers and artists perform, taking the festive buzz to a new level.
To Sum Up
Lohri is mainly celebrated in north India. This day marks the end of harsh winters and the beginning of spring. The ritual includes burning a bonfire, singing and dancing around it, and thanking the god for the harvest of Rabi crops. The prosperous celebration of Lohri evokes a sense of togetherness and abundance as people enjoy a variety of snacks and lavish meals. Some modern touches to the festival include celebrating with a large crowd in community halls or at concerts. Overall, it’s a day to be thankful for all we have, going as per the flow of seasons, and promoting unity & harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lohri festival
Lohri festival is celebrated in which state?
Ans. Lohri is traditionally celebrated in Haryana and Punjab as these states harvest Rabi crops on the dates around this festival.
What are the most famous snacks of Lohri?
Ans. Some famous Punjab Lohri festival foods are peanuts, sesame laddoos, rewaris, dried fruit chikki, and puffed rice laddoos.
References
https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/lohri-festival-1
https://indianculture.gov.in/food-and-culture/food-festivals/lohri-honouring-harvest
