The well-known North Indian celebration of Lohri heralds the arrival of longer days and the conclusion of the winter solstice. Every year, on January 13, the day before Makar Sankranti, it is celebrated with great pomp, notably by the people of Punjab during the month of Paush. The celebration is also widely observed in other regions of the nation, including Jammu, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
All About Lohri
According to a tradition, the word loh, which refers to the tawa used to make roti or chapati, is thought to be the root of the word lohri.
During the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century, the mythology of Dulha Bhatti originated. He was a dacoit who would plunder from the wealthy to provide food and cash to the underprivileged. He is credited with being a valiant warrior who championed the interests of the people and rose to prominence in Punjab.
It is reported that during a period when young women in Punjab were being sold to wealthy merchants in Sandal Bar, Dulla Bhatti stood guard over them. After freeing the girls from these wealthy merchants one day, Dulla Bhatti arranged for them to marry Hindu boys. The purpose of the Lohri celebration is supposedly to honour Dulha Bhatti. This is for his valour and struggle against the oppression of the Mughal emperors.
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End Of Harvest Season
The date is significant both astronomically and culturally since it corresponds with the sun’s entry into the Makar Rashi, or the sign of Capricorn. Different regions of India refer to the event by different names. Uttarayan in Gujarat, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh, Pongal in South India, Bhugali Bihu in Assam, and Makar Sankranti in Central India.
Whatever the differences between regions, the fundamental meaning of Lohri is always the same. It marks the end of the harvest season and the joyful arrival of spring after a wintry winter.
People look forward to Lohri, which is filled with exciting traditions, this time of year. Performing bhangra, gidda, and chajja, singing folk songs, eating gajak, moongfali, tilkut, and puffed rice, and enjoying makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, popcorn, and revdi by the bonfire are some of the rituals during Lohri.
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How is Makar Sankranti celebrated at your place?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva and Wikimedia Commons
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