THE BONFIRE FESTIVAL - LOHRI

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LOHRI - THE   BONFIRE FESTIVAL


Lohri is an Indian festival celebrated by th e Hindus and especially the Sikhs   of Punjab and  in the Northern states of India.

The festival is one of the most joyous festival as it marks the arrival of longer and sunny days, that help the farmers  to work longer in the  farms .  New crops too are yielded and offered to   Agni...This festival dates back to the Indus valley civilization and falls on the 13th January every year.

Every festival has an ancient story which emphasis  it's significance. During the Mughal king Akbar, there was a poor man named Dulla Bhatti.  He was  considered the Robinhood of the times. He plundered the rich of their grains and other farm produce and distributed  the loot to the poor and needy. Some of it was offered to the bonfire which the farmers lit and merried around

The word " loh" derived from  the iron girdle or a tava which is used to make chappatis for a community feast.  There is a grand feast  made  to commemorate the celebration.

Bonfire


A bonfire  is lit  up usually in the backyard of the house and all the family members and relatives gather to celebrate. The bonfire  keeps bay the cold, as it is one of the coldest night of the winter.

The sparkling grains  cultivated are first offered here. Corn, peanuts, jaggery and til are  offered to the fire first and   parikarma is done around the bonfire.


Sweets made

of Sesame seeds , groundnut s and corn are also eaten .  

Rewari and gajak made of jaggery and til are the favourite during this festival. It is assumed consuming these in winters not only keeps the body warm , but cleanses the body too.

Not to forget the sarson ka saag and Makki ki roti is a delicacy of the Punjabis.



This festival is a household festival in the Northern states.  The first Lohri of the newly married or a new born baby in the family brings in more enthusiasm and grandeur.

Any event or celebration is not complete without music and dance.

Bhangra,Gidda are performed along with

the beating of drums.  




Nowadays the latest songs are played and the young and the old enjoy, greet each other and make merriment. They have all the fun until midnight and welcome the sunny days ahead of the festival. Sankranti is celebrated the next day. 

For years the farmers have been enjoying this festival with their families. 

A thing to ponder..!!

The present scenario   of the farmers agitating for their rights has forbidden them to celebrate the festival with the families.  Hope Their sacrifices give them better yields in future.

 Wishing all a very happy Lori..




Pramila








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