Rinku Dhawan Lohri marks the end of the winter season and is a favorable period for harvesting, especially crucial for farmers. Typically,...
Rinku Dhawan
Lohri marks the end of the winter season and is a favorable period for
harvesting, especially crucial for farmers. Typically, our families gather, and
together we offer prayers to the fire. It symbolizes a new year, bringing fresh
starts and blessings. The celebration revolves around food, dance, and
drinks. This year, I'll be joining the festivities in my society, where
they celebrate with great enthusiasm and worship the fire. We perform a ritual
of walking seven rounds around the fire, uttering a special saying, "Jine
mere til sade unne mere pap chade." It holds deep significance for us,
being both auspicious and spiritual. I'm eagerly anticipating the celebrations
of Lohri and Makar Sankranti.
Nikhil Nanda
Lohri holds various meanings and is highly celebrated in Punjab and
surrounding areas. Initially, it marked the end of winter and a prosperous rabi
crop. Over time, it has become intertwined with the folklore of "bhatti
wala," who heroically saved Hindu and Sikh girls from being abducted and
enslaved by the Mughals. Bhatti wala earned widespread respect for his actions.
There is even a song dedicated to him and the two girls he rescued, Sundari and
Mundari, as a tribute to their memory.
Aneesha Madhok
I am so proud to be a Punjabi Indian and define the culture through my
existence and my art as I share my light with everyone else. Lohri is a way I
have connected with my grandparents for they are truly rooted in the tradition.
We all get together usually at my Nani’s home, dance around the fire burning
over the wood, and get rid of all negative thoughts. We do that by
metaphorically throwing makhana (water Lily seeds) and other dry fruits like
peanuts and cashews along with jaggery. Lohri is a time to pray to the God of
Fire and ask for blessings for the family and loved ones. The festival heralds
the start of harvest season and the ripening of winter crops. As someone who
wants to get back to my Punjabi roots and learn farming, Lohri is important to
me for it is the start of a new season!
Charrul Malik
I eagerly anticipate the arrival of Lohri, a festival that holds a
special place in my heart. Since childhood, we have been celebrating this
occasion, although here in Mumbai, Lohri is a little celebrated. Lohri, also
known as the til-gud festival, marks a day of new beginnings as we pay homage
to the fire god. It holds great significance for farmers. We celebrate by
offering rewri, gajak, popcorn, and peanuts to the sacred fire as part of the
festivities. This annual celebration serves as a connection to our cultural
roots. Jaggery, a traditional sweet, not only adds to the festivity but also
boasts health benefits. I fondly recall the tradition of tying Lohri with my
brother and sister, a ritual that often came with a monetary reward. The
festival is adorned with numerous cherished memories for me.
Mohit Kapoor
Lohri festival holds significant importance in Punjab and Haryana. On
this day, people express gratitude to God for a good harvest and also wish for
an even better one in the coming year. The story of Dulla Bhatti is also
crucial to hear on this day. We used to celebrate it with our parents in
childhood. In our childhood, we used to go to different people to collect wood, dry fruits, money, etc and then we used to have the ritual in the
evening and sing "Sunder Mundriye Ho!" song. This time we are
planning to have a small rooftop event. It is customary to distribute sweets,
especially til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), and peanuts during Lohri. These
items are considered auspicious and symbolize abundance.
Angad Hasija
Lohri always meant family time to me. This festival to me is all about
positivity, vibrancy, and looking forward to an even better tomorrow. Lohri has
always been celebrated in a big way at home ever since I can remember. Gajak
which is typically prepared and shared around Lohri is my hot favourite.
The bonfire is the perfect way to celebrate. We wear colorful clothes. It is an
important festival for Punjabis. I have fond memories of Lohri.
Sheeba Akashdeep
Lohri is an
opportunity for social bonding with family and friends, which gives us a sense
of unity and festivity, making it one of the most cherished festivals in India.
Lohri to me is like a thanksgiving. My favorite part of this festival is
enjoying dishes like Sarso da saag, makki di roti, jaggery (gur), and sesame
seeds with everyone because Punjab is famous for its delicious food. On Lohri, sharing more yummy dishes and sweets with your family and neighbors is a good idea. Also, don't forget to sing along to traditional folk music and dance
around the bonfire – it makes the evening even more enjoyable!
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