Lohri is a vibrant Punjabi festival celebrated on January 13th every year, marking the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. Observed mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, Lohri is a festival of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Families gather around bonfires, sing traditional folk songs, perform dances, and enjoy seasonal treats.
History of Lohri
• Lohri has many historical origins, but i...
Lohri is a vibrant Punjabi festival celebrated on January 13th every year, marking the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. Observed mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, Lohri is a festival of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Families gather around bonfires, sing traditional folk songs, perform dances, and enjoy seasonal treats.
History of Lohri
• Lohri has many historical origins, but it is primarily linked to the Winter Solstice celebration.
• The central bonfire symbolizes the return of longer days and the warmth of light overcoming darkness.
• The festival’s name is believed to come from ‘Loi’, the wife of Saint Kabir, or ‘Loh’, representing fire, warmth, and light.
Significance of Lohri
• Lohri coincides with the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
• It is a harvest festival, thanking the gods for a bountiful crop and celebrating the arrival of the new solar year.
• Lohri also represents new beginnings, hope, prosperity, and the renewal of life.
Lohri Celebrations
• The Bonfire: The heart of Lohri, symbolizing warmth and togetherness, with people gathering around to offer gratitude.
• Festive Feast: Traditional treats like Rewari, Gajak, popcorn, and peanuts are shared among family and friends.
• Colourful Attire: People wear vibrant traditional clothing to mark the joyous occasion.
• Folk Dances: Bhangra and Gidda are performed around the bonfire, celebrating harvest and community spirit.
• Decorations: Homes and streets are adorned with festive decorations.
• Rural Charm: Villages celebrate Lohri uniquely, with bonfires on every street and shared community joy.
Why is Lohri Celebrated?
• Harvest Festival: Celebrates the harvesting of rabi crops like wheat.
• Farewell to Winter: Marks the end of winter solstice and welcomes longer, warmer days.
• New Beginnings: An auspicious time to start fresh and embrace hope and prosperity.
• Cultural Significance: Strengthens community bonds and preserves Punjabi traditions.
• Folklore & Legends: Associated with stories like Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero who rescued girls from forced marriages.
Lohri Songs and Wishes
Traditional songs like Sundar Mundariye, Lohri, Lohri Ayee Eh, and Dheeyan Di Lohri celebrate harvest, winter warmth, love, and family bonds.
Heartfelt Lohri Wishes:
• May the warmth of the Lohri bonfire fill your heart with joy, happiness, and prosperity.
• May your life be as sweet as Rewari and Gur. Wishing you a very Happy Lohri!
• Let this Lohri bring health, success, and endless happiness to you and your family.
• May the festival strengthen our bonds of love, friendship, and togetherness.
