It's marks the end of chilly winter and dawning of rejuvenation, jubilation and festivity. It's Lohri time again in the month of January and the people in Punjab begin their celebrations. Bonfires are lit, traditional songs and dances accompany the fire in evening.
There are many origins of Lohri, all forming a part of Indian culture. Traditionally Lohri is believed to be the cultural celebration of 'winter solace'. It's a festival dedicated to fire and sun god'. When sun shines from the"Uttrarayan'', meaning it passes across Makar (the zodiac sign Capricorn) andmoves northwards, folks suggest that days get longer by the grain of one sesame seed'. As the sun's position alters, so does it brings forth warmth and comfort for Earth's inhabitants marking the commemoration of Lohri on the longest night before winter solace. Lohri celebrates this impending comfort and sees nightlong festivities that has people lighting bonfires to combat the chilly weather, and singing and dancing around it in a festive mood. The fire also symbolizes the sun and is seen as a source of energy and spiritual strength.
A key feature of Lohri, the bonfire.
Lohri occasion is generally accepted to be celebrated as a 'harvest festival'.Coming at the end of the winter season, it marks the last day of the month Paush, and beginning of the month Magha, wherein the primary North Indian'rabi' crops are harvested. As farmers gleam with joy on the first harvest of sugarcane and wheat crop, Lohri brings in merriment in their lives.
The origin of the Lohri can be traced back to the tale of Dulla Bhatti. By the end of the first week of January, small groups of boys ring the doorbell of houses and start chanting the Lohri songs related to Dulla Bhatti. In turn, the people give them popcorn, peanuts, crystal sugar, sesame seeds (til) or gur as well as money. Turning them back empty-handed is regarded inauspicious.
'Let purity come, dirt depart
Dirt be uprooted and its roots Cast in the fire.'
Crazy Creative de walon sab nu Lohri di lakh lakh vadhayi!
-RD - | .LilGreenRobot. |caffeineaddict. | dmegha | pancakes | PanchaliKaArjun
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