Lohri 2016 celebrated in India

World Punjabi Organisation hosts Lohri celebrations in Delhi

Organized by World Punjabi Organisation (WPO), the Lohri celebrations in the capital saw in attendance not only Delhiites, but Punjabis and Sikhs from other states and even some NRIs who were in the country.

Happy Lohri:

Organized by World Punjabi Organisation (WPO), the Lohri celebrations in the capital saw in attendance not only Delhiites, but Punjabis and Sikhs from other states and even some NRIs who were in the country. (WPO), the Lohri celebrations in the capital saw in attendance not only Delhiites, but Punjabis and Sikhs from other states and even some NRIs who were in the country.

A Punjabi affair:

Vikramjit Sahney and his wife Daisy Sahney played hosts and also felicitated the members of the organization for their contribution in their respective fields. The decor at the venue was rustic, with a huge bonfire and Punjabi dishes at the food counters. A troupe of bhangra  dancers and comedian Surendra Sharma's jokes on politics and daily affairs kept the guests entertained.

Gallaan Goodiyaan: Talking about the WPO's initiatives to promote peace between India and Pakistan, Sahney said, "Lohri is an occasion of harmony and peace and to strengthen our relations, we are planning another get-together in Lahore next month." Sahney also narrated the story behind Lohri celebrations. Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI, later told us, "Such occasions are about remembering your roots. Even though everyone celebrates Lohri these days, not many know the story behind it. Mujhe bhi kahan pata tha aaj se pehle."  

Lohri 2016: Why is food fed to the fire on Lohri?

Each festival in India comes with its own cultural importance and traditional lineage. There are some acts and practices which we cannot say no from doing. However in reality we perform them because it has been done since times long before.

But, has one ever tried to wonder as to why such and such act assumes importance? Today is Lohri which is considered to be the new year for Punjabi farmers as it marks the day of harvest for their rabi crops. Considered a day of celebration, it is marked with dancing, singing folklores and eating scrumptious meals. However, the act of feeding food to the fire assumes massive significance on the day.

Why is this done? Foods like gajak, even puffed rice and items like popcorn are thrown into the bonfire that symbolises Agni, the God of Fire. It is believed that these offerings are thrown in the sparkling flames to effectively impress the gods and thus seek blessings for yourself and family.
Moreover, people also justify saying that such an act is considered even more auspicious for families, especially the newly married couples and even for parents who are blessed with new- borns. Many have tried to justify this act by explaining that it marks the end of all evil. Families also tend to offer prayers thinking it would infuse purity in their household.

It is also believed that with faith in the heart and complete optimism in the mind, if one performs the circumambulation of the Lohri fire, one can also expect miracles to happen. It is a belief that the day, though considered to be a new year for Punjabi farmers, brings health and prosperity to all. People also look forward to celebrating Lohri to wish for the complete well-being of their loved ones.
Many devotees of fire God thus believe that their concerns and requests will receive an immediate answer. Thus, people tend to pray for children’s marriage, the childless try and seek an offspring, people also offer various kinds of food items to the great Lohri fire in order to seek blessings, prosperity and happiness from the God of fire.

There is also the Lohri prashad which is offered that consists of five food items which include Til (Sesame), Gajak (a sweet preparation), Gud (Jaggery), Moongphali (Peanuts) and Phuliya (Popcorn). These, when offered to the fire God, is believed to be done to seek his blessings.

The festival of Lohri thus ushers in a new dawn for a completely great harvest season as it also bids goodbye to the cold and bone-chilling winters and welcomes summers with a big heart.

Dance, bonfire mark Lohri celebrations in Punjab

Bonfires, an important part of Lohri festivities, was lit as several families danced to the tunes of famous festival songs like ‘Sundariye Mundariye Ho’, among others. (Reuters)

The festival of Lohri is being celebrated in Punjab today with traditional fervour and gaiety as various functions are being held across the region to mark the day.
Bonfires, an important part of Lohri festivities, was lit as several families danced to the tunes of famous festival songs like ‘Sundariye Mundariye Ho’, among others.

Good portions of Rewri, Gajak and Peanuts were available and people were seen enjoying these popular ‘Lohri’ items, as they broke into interesting jigs to celebrate the festival.

‘Dholis’ present at several gatherings were another sight rendering traditional Punjabi touch to the celebrations as people enjoyed ‘Bhangra’ dancing.

Traditionally, Lohri festival celebrates the onset of the harvest season in Punjab and is celebrate to offer thanks to God for the crops before they begin harvesting them.

It is also believed that Lohri night is the longest night of the year and according to the Lunar calendar, marks the winter solstice.

The festival also marks the end of the coldest month of the year as the earth now starts to turn towards the sun.
Lohri celebrates the harvest of rabi crops, those which are sown in the winter. It thus follows that winter foods like sarson (mustard leaves), sesame, whole wheat and spinach are an integral part of the festival.
As part of the festivities, dinner is served after the bonfire ritual.

Til (sesame) and rorhi (jaggery) are eaten as traditional festive foods. The words til and rorhi together make ’tilorhi’, which eventually got rechristened to Lohri, it is believed.

According to folklore, the flames of the fire are known to carry messages to the sun which is why the day after Lohri is warm and sunny bringing an end to “gloomy” winter days.

The following day is celebrated as ‘Makar Sankranti’ to mark the beginning of bright days ahead.