Lohri Festival

Lohri festival is one of the famous festivals of India. This is the most famous festival of Punjab, which is celebrated every year by the individuals of the Punjabi religion. The Lohri festival is celebrated in the winter month. This day is celebrated as an agricultural festival by lighting a bonfire, dancing, and singing the glories of the bridegroom. It is a celebration of Punjabis, but today it is also celebrated by the people living in the northern states of India like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, etc. Lohri festival in Jammu and Kashmir is famous too.

When is the Lohri festival?

In the year 2022, the festival of Lohri was celebrated on January 13, Thursday.

Why is Lohri celebrated?

Lohri is the most popular festival in Punjab. There are many reasons for celebrating Lohri in Punjabi, as it is believed that the name Lohri originated from the word “Loi” (wife of Saint Kabir). Some say that the word originated from “loh” (a tool used for making chapatis). Another thought of celebrating the Lohri festival is that Lohri was born in the name of Holika’s sister. People believe that Holika’s sister was saved, although she died in the fire. Many believe that the word Lohri originated from Tilorhi (a combination of sesame and Rorahi). The country’s farmers celebrate Lohri as the beginning of the new financial year.

The history behind celebrating Lohri

The history behind celebrating Lohri is very old. It marks the new year and marks the beginning of the spring season and the end of the winter season. People believe that the night of Lohri is the longest night of the year; since then, each day becomes longer, and the nights gradually become shorter. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in praise of Dulha Batti. In the time of King Akbar, there was a dacoit who used to steal money from the houses of rich people and distribute it to poor people. He was like a hero to the poor people and the helpless; he saved the lives of various girls who were forcibly taken away from their homes by strangers. He helped helpless girls by paying dowry in their marriages. Started celebrating the Lohri festival in praise of Dulha Bhatti for his great works. Indicates the sun’s movement from south to north on the day of Lohri, And enters the Tropic of Capricorn from the Tropic of Cancer. Lohri festival is dedicated to Lord Sun and Fire. It is a happy day for every Punjabi. People of Sikh and Hindu religions celebrate Lohri.

How is Lohri celebrated?

This festival is celebrated by people in India with lots of joy and delight, just like other festivals. It is a festival where all the family members, relatives, and friends celebrate together. On the day of Lohri, everyone meets each other and enjoys bottling sweets. It is the most famous harvest festival, which holds great importance for the farmers. People light a bonfire, sing songs, and dance around it on this day. While singing and dancing around the bonfire, some toffees, sesame seeds, jaggery, and others are put in the fire.

The festival of Lohri is as important for the newlywed couple as it is for the first child born at home. The newly married couple is seated in one place, and some gifts are given to them by other family members, neighbours, friends, and relatives. They all bless the new couple for their better life and bright future.

Lohri festival in Jammu and Kashmir

The Lohri festival in Jammu and Kashmir is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety as various functions are being held across the region to mark the day. Several political and no –political organisations organised functions to celebrate Lohri in which residents, shopkeepers, and party leaders participated. The folk festival of Jammu was celebrated by lighting a bonfire and offering groundnuts and sweets as a thanksgiving to the almighty after the harvesting of crops and the onset of the spring season. The main reason behind the Lohri festival in Jammu and Kashmir is the abode of the people belonging to different faiths, who have been sharing each other’s joys by being part of the festivals.

Conclusion

Nowadays, the Lohri festival has become modernised. Earlier, people used jaggery and sesame for gift-giving. However, modern people have started giving gifts like chocolate cake and chocolates. Because due to the increasing pollution in the environment, people are highly aware and very conscious about environmental protection and its safety while celebrating Lohri. Instead of cutting many trees to light the bonfire, enjoy the Lohri festival in a new way by planting trees. The Lohri festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Everyone celebrates this festival to get happiness and prosperity for their whole life.