Significance
of the Date of Lohri :
The date of Lohri is considered extremely auspicious by Hindus as it
marks the sun's journey in Uttarayan (northward) for a six month period
(from 14 January lasting till 14 July) as opposed to southward or
Dakshinayan movement. The festival also marks the last day of the month
of Maargazhi, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The unique date of
the festival is also referred to as Makar Sankranthi signifying the
sun's entry into Makara or Capricorn zodiac. This very propitious day is
celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra
Pradesh and the Sankranti in Karnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Rituals of Lohri :
The day of Lohri begins with children visiting houses in the
neighourhood 'asking for Lohri' and singing folk songs in praise of
Dulha Bhatti - the Robin Hood of Punjab who used to rob rich and
distribute the loot amongst the poor. These little visitors are either
given cash or winter savories like groundnut, popcorn, gur, til, revri
and gajak. In the evening bonfires are lit in open grounds outside the
house or in courtyards and people gather around it. Relatives and
friends are invited for Lohri celebrations especially by families where
there has been an arrival of bride or a son is born. A part of the
munchies collected by children are put in the fire while the rest is
distributed as prasad after the puja. People sing traditional Lohri
songs as they perform Parikrama of the sacred bonfire.
Lohri Celebrations :
Lohri is particularly a happy occasion for farmers. For them it is the
time to relax after days of toil of cutting and gathering grains and
other food crops. They are happy with the harvest of the Rabi (winter
crop) and are in full mood to enjoy the festival to the hilt. Best of
Punjabi Bhangra and gidda performance can be seen during the festival of
Lohri.
For a bride her first Lohri holds a lot of significance. The
festivities are doubled as relatives and friends pour in to give their
best wishes to the newly wed. Same is the case in the family where a
child, especially a son, is born. Essential part of the Lohri dinner is
the world famous Makke di roti and sarson da saag.
Get extensive information on
Lohri
Festival.
