India Celebrates Lohri 2024 with Bonfires and Festivities

India Celebrates Lohri 2024 with Bonfires and Festivities

Lohri, a vibrant winter celebration deeply rooted in Dogra and Punjabi folk traditions, is primarily observed in the north Indian states of Punjab, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. This festive marks the conclusion of the winter season in the region and the arrival of longer days. The festival also serves as a unifying event, bringing together individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, including Sikhs, Hindus, and others.

Lohri marks the Earth’s closest point to the sun, symbolising the beginning of a new harvest season. Lohri falls in the Paush month of the lunisolar Bikrami calendar or the Hindu solar calendar. This year, it will be observed on January 14, according to the Gregorian calendar.

In Punjab and Haryana, Lohri festivities are celebrated when the main winter crop, wheat, is seen at its prime. The celebration, marking the passing of the winter solstice and the promise of spring, involves gatherings around bonfires.

Lohri also holds significance as the sun enters the zodiac of Makara (Capricorn) on this day, symbolising a fresh start. Legend attributes the festival to ‘Dulla Bhatti,’ a local hero during Emperor Akbar’s reign, known as the ‘Robin Hood’ of Punjab. He saved young girls from slavery, arranging their marriages and providing dowries.

The folk song ‘Sunder Mundriye’ is associated with Lohri, expressing the deep-rooted folklore and celebrating ‘Dulla Bhatti.’ The festival is dedicated to the sun deity, Surya, symbolising the return of warmth and sunshine after winter.

Lohri is celebrated annually with a traditional bonfire, prayers for a healthy harvest, and offerings of peanuts, ‘gur ki rewari’, and ‘makhana’ to please the fire deity. Dancing around the bonfire and singing folk songs are integral parts of the celebration.