Lohri, one of the most prominent festivals in northern India, is just around the corner. The festival, which is mostly observed by Sikhs and Hindus, marks the conclusion of the winter solstice and the harvest of the Rabi crops. Every year on January 13, the holiday is celebrated with genuine enthusiasm and zeal.
People prefer to dress up in colorful traditional attire and dance and sing around the bonfire as they welcome the longer days and warmer weather.
History and significance of Lohri
There are various stories about the origins of the Lohri festival. According to some stories, the festival originated in the Himalayan mountain area, where winters are much colder than the rest of the regions in the country.
People would assemble around a bonfire to commemorate the passing of the winter solstice and the prospects of the approaching spring season after weeks of harvesting the Rabi crop. The festival is also devoted to the sun deity, Surya, as devotees await its come back just after cold winter days and seek warmth and brightness on this day.
Another story connects the Lohri festival to the story of 'Dulla Bhatti,' a legendary hero of the Punjab area who served as a savior of the population during Akbar's empire. He was famed for rescuing a group of young girls from slavery. His deeds have become legendary and are strongly engrained in Punjabi tradition. 'Dulla Bhatti' is celebrated on Lohri, and numerous songs and dances are done in his honor.
How Lohri is celebrated?
Lohri is celebrated annually by setting a massive bonfire in the yard after the rabi crops have been harvested. Small Lohri goddess idols are created from cattle dung and placed beneath the fire.
At nightfall, the bonfire is lit, and people dressed in traditional attire form a circle around it, throwing sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaries into it. People sing and dance all around the bonfire till it blows out.
They worship the fire deity in this way to bless their country with wealth and prosperity. After then, individuals share greetings and gifts with their relatives and friends.
Essential Elements of Lohri
Sugarcane products like gajak and jaggery, which are prepared from crops harvested in January, are an essential element of Lohri festivities. Apart from this peanuts, til, and popcorn are also provided as prasad to the people (offerings made to god). Dinner includes maki ki roti and Sarson ka saag.
