Lohri-The Festival of Bonfires!

With the onset of winters and dense fog, life in the northern areas of the country comes to a standstill. But below this haze of fog, a palpable activity wave can be experienced. During this time, Haryana, Punjab and some areas of Himachal Pradesh celebrates Lohri with great excitement and enthusiasm. ‘Joie de vivre’ of people can be witnessed in this bonfire festival. This festival is celebrated to mark Rabi crop ready for harvesting. People indulge in a lot of dancing and music. Traditional dances and music reverberates in the atmosphere.

Significance of Lohri

Punjab, one of the prominent states in the northern India is considered as the breadbasket of the country. The major crop grown in this state is wheat. Sown in the month of October, the crop is ready for harvesting in the month of March or April. The crops show a promise of good harvest in the month of January. Lohri is celebrated by the farmers during the period of relaxation before the crop is ready for cutting and its gathering. As per Hindu calendar, this festival falls in the middle of January. During this time, the sun is located farthest from the earth. The earth starts moving towards the sun. “Push” or the month of January is considered as the coldest month. This is concerned as an auspicious occasion. It is believed that Lord Krishna manifests himself in his glory. Hindus believes that their sins can be nullified by bathing in Holy Ganges.

Customs and Legends

As the day of Lohri rolls in, children visit every house singing folk songs and demanding “loot” of Lohri as eatables or money. Tasty and delicious eatables made from jaggery, sesame seeds such as rewri, gazak are savoured. The praise of ‘Dulha Bhatti’ are sung. Dulha Bhatti was considered as good Samaritan in Punjabi avatar. Just like Robin Hood, he used to rob rich people and distribute money and things of basic necessities among poor. He is known to have helped a village girl by marrying her off as his own sister.

Bonfire

In the evening of Lohri, a bonfire is lit. As the sun sets, bonfires are lit all over the village close to the harvested lands. People circle around the flames of bonfire also known as “parikrama”. Popcorn, puffed rice and munchies of different types are thrown in the flames. This is accompanied with slogan shouting “Aadar aye dilather jaye”. The meaning of this slogan is welcome of honor and may poverty leave them. Popular local and folk songs are also sung at this time. Women dance giddha with gay abandon. Blessings of Fire God are taken. Greetings are exchanged. People enjoy a hearty meal of makki di roti (flatbread made of flour made of corn) and sarson da saag.

Dances & Songs

Men enjoy Bhangra dance while women indulge in a lot of Giddha on reverberating sounds of drum beating. Usually, women create their own separate group where they enjoy their dances and songs. Next day of the Lohri is celebrated as Maghi Day. Sweet dishes of jiggery are made.
This festival is known to impart a message of brotherhood and oneness. It is one of the major celebrations of Punjabi community. For newlyweds and new born babies, this festival holds a lot of importance and is celebrated with a big bang!

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