Lohri is a popular winter festival of harvest celebrated widely by Sikhs and Hindus across India. It is observed the night before Makar Sankranti and is celebrated with great pomp and show in the north Indian region. The first of the many Hindu festivals in the year, Lohri holds a special place among the farming community as it is a festival of harvest, marking the end of long, cold nights of the winter solstice. The end also signifies a new beginning & new Rabi crops and hopes for a fruitful harvest are primed together.
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Contrary to popular belief, Lohri is not only a festival in the northern Indian region, primarily Punjab but also one that is celebrated in Southern regions albeit with different names like Pongal and Makar Sankranti. It is also a scientific phenomenon because it is purely based on the science of astronomy and the crop cycle which is religion-agnostic. It is basically a celebration of the revival or return of sunlight into the northern hemisphere and it coincides with the harvest season as well.
In the present times, Lohri has been highly conceptualised by Bollywood as fancy food, dancing around the fire to chartbuster tunes along with your family and friends and just enjoying the bonfire. But there is a very deep religious and scientific significance associated with the festival. Let’s take a look at the historic significance of Lohri and how the way of celebrating has evolved.
Lohri 2024: Date and Timings
As we approach the Lohri festival in 2024, there’s a bit of ambiguity regarding its exact date. While traditionally Lohri is celebrated on January 13, this year’s festivities are set to take place on January 14, falling on a Sunday. This shift in date aligns Lohri with the Drik Panchang’s calendar, ensuring that the celebrations are astrologically auspicious.
Coinciding closely with Lohri, Makar Sankranti is expected to be observed the following day, on Monday, January 15, 2024. This sequential occurrence of the two festivals enhances the festive spirit and cultural significance of this period.
Puja Timings
Understanding the precise timings for the Lohri puja is essential for those who follow the rituals closely. On January 14, the Tritiya tithi, an important phase in the Hindu lunar calendar, is set to conclude at 07:59 AM. Following this, the Chaturthi tithi begins and lasts until 04:59 AM on January 15.
For the early risers or those seeking a spiritually auspicious start to their day, the Brahma Muhurta on January 14 is observed from 05:27 AM to 06:21 AM. This time is considered highly favourable for meditation and spiritual practices.
Additionally, the Abhijit Muhurta, known as the most auspicious time of the day, falls between 12:09 PM and 12:51 PM. This period is ideal for performing the Lohri puja and other related rituals to ensure blessings and prosperity.
Significance of Lohri: History and Legend
There are many folklore and stories about the Lohri festival. Let’s take a look at the most significant ones:
The Legend of Dulla Bhatti
Numerous legends are associated with the Lohri festival’s origin, the most famous and interesting one being “Dulla Bhatti”. Dulla Bhatti was a popular figure, somewhat similar to Robinhood which made him a local hero among the poor. As the legend goes, he once rescued some damsels from the Mughals and took care of them like his own daughters. There are many jovial folk songs on the figure of Dulla Batti which commemorate his feats making them a part of the history of the Lohri festival. During Lohri, children in the neighbourhood collect sweets from all houses in the form of loot which are then offered first to the bonfire and leftovers are relished as “prasad”.
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Concept of Lohri: Lohri Meaning and Importance
Are you aware of the meaning of the term ‘Lohri’? Lohri was derived from ‘Tilohri’ where ‘til’ represents sesame and ‘rorhi’ represents gur or jaggery. These items are considered to be great stomach cleansers and a source of high power and nutrients. It’s considered auspicious to start your new year with these food items for renewed energy. That is the reason why Lohri prasad mainly comprises food items made of jaggery and til like tilkut and chikki
Importance of Bonfire
According to Hindu and Sikh religious beliefs, fire is considered to be the ultimate cleanser of negative energy. The fumes of the holy fire have the potential to draft away negative energy and give a positive, fresh start. Fire is also a direct representation of Lord Agni, and it is considered auspicious to take his blessings at the start of the year for the best, possible start. It is also considered very auspicious to walk around the fire. According to religious beliefs, the prayers of the devotee circling the bonfire get an immediate resolution from the almighty.
Winter Festival of Harvest
Arguably the most logical and popular reason, Lohri has an important significance because it is the first festival of the new year. India is one of the largest producers of agricultural products in the world and depends heavily on its farming community for its economy and supplies. Harvest festivals are celebrated all over our country with different names where the farming community thank the gods for a good, seasonal harvest and prays for a fruitful and prosperous future. The chants of “Aadar aye dilather jaye” i.e. “may honour come and poverty vanish” are repeated around the bonfire while rejoicing with close ones.
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Lohri 2024: Celebration and Trends
Just like other Indian festivals, Lohri has its specific traditions and methods of celebration. People gather together, light a bonfire, and distribute popcorn, peanuts, rewari & tilkut (traditional winter sweets) to friends, neighbours and relatives.
In north India, Lohri holds special significance for the newly-married couple or the newborn child in the family as family members and relatives gather together to celebrate their first Lohri. It is also a tradition to eat sesame rice which is made by mixing jaggery, sesame seeds and rice on this day. These food items hold special significance to the festival of Lohri. Generally, towards evening, people assemble in an open space and gather wood logs, dung cakes, and sugar cane and light it.
There is also some religious value attached to the fire there is a circumambulation around it as a mark of respect and thanksgiving for a good harvest. A lot of traditional sweets are offered to the fire. Punjabi folk dance and song are highlights of the festival which culminates with a good feast.
Lohri Celebration for Newlyweds: 1st Lohri Celebration
The first Lohri celebration after marriage is considered very auspicious and it is celebrated with great festivity and pomp. The bride and groom wear new attires topped fully with accessories like bangles, turban, jewellery etc. It’s customary for them to pray together and donate food & gifts to the needy. In return, they get gifts and blessings from their friends and family members. The purpose of the Lohri festival is to celebrate & rejoice and it’s the perfect opportunity for a newlywed couple to make a positive start to their journey together.
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Lohri is celebrated with a lot of festivity and preparations in Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir since the Mughal era.
Baby’s First Lohri
A newborn baby’s first Lohri is celebrated with glitz and glamour. The baby and mother are dressed in matching clothes, they are presented to the general audience comprising of friends and families in their best attires. The mother then sits with her baby in her arms and the relatives & friends come one by one, offering their blessings and gifts to the mother and newborn.
How to Celebrate Lohri 2024
Celebrating Lohri function is a joyous occasion that involves traditional rituals, vibrant festivities, and community gatherings. Here’s a concise guide on how to celebrate Lohri:
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- Bonfire Ritual: Gather around a bonfire with family and friends. The bonfire symbolises the passing of the winter solstice and the warmth of togetherness.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Play Punjabi folk music and engage in traditional dance forms like Bhangra and Gidda. The lively beats add to the festive spirit.
- Offerings to the Fire: Toss sesame seeds, gur (jaggery), and rewri (sweets) into the bonfire as offerings, symbolising prosperity and the abundance of the harvest.
- Dinner with Loved Ones: Enjoy a festive dinner with traditional Punjabi dishes. Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti are popular choices for the occasion.
- Exchange of Greetings: Share Lohri greetings and sweets with neighbours and loved ones. It’s a time to strengthen community bonds.
- Folklore and Storytelling: Narrate the folklore associated with Lohri, sharing stories of Dulla Bhatti and the cultural significance of the festival.
- Gifts and Charity: Exchange gifts with family and friends. Additionally, consider contributing to charity or helping those in need as a part of the festive spirit.
- Flying Kites: In some regions, flying kites is a Lohri tradition. It adds a playful and colorful element to the celebrations.
- Decorations: Decorate your home with vibrant colors, traditional rangoli patterns, and Lohri-themed decor to enhance the festive atmosphere.
- Family Time: Above all, cherish quality time with family. Lohriis a time to come together, express gratitude, and welcome the warmth of the season.
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FAQ’s
What is Happy Lohri?
Lohri is an Indian winter festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Happy Lohri is the conventional wish around the festival that people exchange wishing each other a prosperous festive season.
What is the significance of Lohri?
The most popular and widely believed significance of Lohri is that it is the first winter festival of harvest every new year. It signifies the end of cold, harsh nights of winter and the beginning of pleasant sunny days, which is very necessary for a fruitful harvest.
How is Lohri celebrated?
Bonfire and celebration is the highlight of Lohri. Generally, in towards evening, people assemble in an open space and gather wood logs, dung cakes, and sugar cane and light it. A lot of traditional sweets are offered to the fire. Punjabi folk dance and song are enjoyed during the festival which culminates with a good feast
Why do we burn a bonfire on Lohri?
The fire is a direct representation of Lord Agni. it is a common belief that the fire purifies and cleanses the energies of the people around the bonfire. It is also a prayer to the Sun god for its blessings.
Who was Dulla Bhatti?
Dulla Bhatti was a popular figure during the Mughal era, who was considered a local hero by the locals. According to the legends, he rescued two Brahmin girls from the captivity of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Dulla rescued them from Akbar’s harem and became their Godfather. He took care of the girls like his own daughters and married them off on the day of Lohri. Hence, started a tradition of celebrating the first Lohri after marriage with pomp and festivity.
