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, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
History & Significance Of 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. It is a significant festival for people associated with agriculture. The festival is celebrated to welcome the new agricultural cycle and the end of the sowing season. Rabi crops, especially sugarcane, wheat, and mustard are harvested in this season. It is a way for the farmers to thank nature for the harvest.
According to folklore, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century, the tale 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.
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.
Rituals & Traditional Foods Enjoyed During Lohri
People look forward to Lohri, which is filled with exciting traditions. Decked in new and vibrant clothes, they perform bhangra, gidda, and chajja around the bonfire and offer sesame seeds, jaggery and popcorn to the God of Fire. People sing folk songs, eat gajak, peanuts, tilkut, and puffed rice, and enjoy makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, popcorn, and revdi by the bonfire.
Lohri also holds importance for newly married couples and newborn babies. As it is a festival of new harvest, fertility, and good energies, new mothers and babies are given blessings by the family members. They also perform rituals and prayers and give the new members gifts as well.
How is Lohri celebrated at your place?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva and Wikimedia Commons
Updated by Tashika Tyagi
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