Why Lohri is celebrated and its significane?
Lohri is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is the Punjabi folk festival. This day marks a holiday in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. Lohri is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti. The date is determined as per the Hindu Solar calendar. The date changes every 70 years. Hindus, Sikhs, and whoever wants to enjoy this festival.
Significance
It marks the end of the winter solstice. Lohri is celebrated before the harvest of winter crops. The period of Uttarayan begins when the length of days grows longer and nights shorter. It welcomes warmer days and the beginning of spring. People pray to the Sun God (Surya Devta) and Fire God (Agni Devta) for prosperity and abundance. It marks the beginning of Earth’s journey toward the sun thus, ending the coldest months of the year, Paush.
Dulla Bhatti
Dulla Bhatti also known as Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti was a Punjabi folk hero who revolted against Mughal rule during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Bhatti Muslim Rajput tribe. People recount his deeds in Punjabi folklore. Akbar’s sons, Jahangir and Dulla Bhatti were born on the same day.
As per the folklore, he prevented girls from being abducted and sold as slaves. He arranged marriages for them. He turned against the Mughals after watching the injustice being done by them against the local Punjabis. Mughal rulers hanged Dulla Bhatti in Lahore in 1599.
During Lohri celebrations, people remember Dull Bhatti. “Sundari-Mundari” song expresses gratitude to him. People sing this song with full enthusiasm and happiness.
How is Lohri celebrated?
Bonfire is lit on this day which marks the return of longer days.
People in Punjab eat sheaves of roasted corn from the new harvest. Sugarcane produce like Gurh and Gachak, nuts are the main attractions of this festival. People circle the bonfire and toss rice, popcorn, and peanuts. They sing praises of Dulla Bhatti and perform the dance. 10-15 days before this festival, people young boys and girls go around the neighborhood collecting logs for the bonfire. Tossing of peanuts, popcorn, gachak, til and jaggery is a common practice. People sing and dance around the bonfire till the fire dies.
People in Jammu do Chajja making and perform the Hiran dance. Children prepare a replica of a peacock known as Chajja. They go from house to house carrying this Chajja. Children wear garlands made of groundnuts, dry fruits, and candies on this day.
In the Sidhi community, Lohri is Lal Loi. Children bring sticks from their grandparents and aunties and lit them at night with people enjoying and dancing around them.
Thus, Lohri is a festival of prosperity thereby bringing people together.