Lohri: the most awaited festival of Punjab

Unlike most of the festivals, Lohri has a date fixed for itself. It is celebrated on the 13th of January every year to celebrate a high significance. The 13th (as a number) might not be an auspicious day for some. It is considered lucky for those who perform the rituals of the celebration. On this day, the sun chooses its way towards entering the Makar Rashi. It means that it begins to move southwards from the north direction. The Earth continues its journey towards the sun. It is a sign which marks the end of long, freezing winters.

Significance of Lohri

The significance of Lohri is that it is related to a type of winter crop. Rabi crops in Punjab get planted in the soil during October. These plants get reaped around March and April. The fields carry a bountiful harvest in mid-January, adding beauty to the sight. The farmers celebrate Lohri during this resting phase, just before harvesting the crops.

The Tradition of Delight

Bonfire, popcorn, peanuts, and rewari are all related to this festival. People light up a bonfire in the middle of the ground. It gets surrounded by the people, who gather in a circle around it. The environment starts humming the Punjabi songs in their minds as their feet grooving to the sound. People hurl popcorn, peanuts, and other wintertime foods into the flames as they travel around and around.

The type of bonfire celebration varies according to different regions of Punjabi. In some areas, people make the Lohri Goddess by using cow dung. It gets lit from beneath with her praises chanted. Sometimes, the bonfire is on fire by adding only cow dung and wood.

Lohri is a particularly auspicious occasion because it symbolizes harvest and the new beginnings of life. A newlywed woman, and a newborn child's first Lohri celebration, are considered auspicious and significant. The Lohri celebrations can reach a higher degree of enthusiasm in homes. Particularly where a recent marriage or delivery has flourished. The newlywed women make efforts to appear charming on this occasion. The newly-married bride's in-laws shower her with new clothing and gorgeous jewelry.

The celebration of Lohri is incomplete without an exchange of some meaningful presents. On Lohri, sending and receiving gifts is a means of spreading joy and prosperity to your loved ones.

What is the meaning of Lohri?

It is all about expressing gratitude to God for plentiful resources before they get harvested. It is about the amount of effort that the farmers put into growing their crops. Lohri is a celebration that honors people's excitement! Another theory claims that Lohri originated from a person, Loi. She was known to be Saint Kabir's spouse. Some people think that Lohri received its name from the term 'loh.' The meaning is the brightness and strength of the fire.

Lohri is called lohi in rural regions of Punjab. According to some legend, Holika and Lohri were sisters. Lohri managed to survive the Holi fire, but Holika could not. It is a custom to consume til (sesame seed) and rorhi on this occasion. The terms til and rorhi are combined to become tilorhi. Finally, it became what we call it today - Lohri.

Summing Up

Since India has different ethnicities, it has varying customs and languages. But no matter what the variation is, Lohri is celebrated with zeal all over the country. It has several names throughout India. The beauty of Lohri includes neatly adorned houses, offerings to God, delectable sweets and snacks, dancing, and songs. Lohri is a festival that offers joy to everyone!