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How is Lohri Celebrated in India? | Lohri a festival of Winter Ending

How is Lohri Celebrated in India? | Lohri a festival of Winter Ending

Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in India, particularly in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days. The festival is celebrated on the 13th day of January every year and is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the end of the cold winter months.

The celebration of Lohri typically begins in the evening, with people lighting bonfires in open spaces such as fields or community grounds. The bonfire is considered the focal point of the celebration and is lit to signify the arrival of the new season and pay homage to the sun god and the fire god Agni. Family and friends gather around the fire, sing traditional songs, and share sweets and snacks.

One of the main foods associated with Lohri is Til chikki. It is a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery. Rewari, Gachak, popcorn, and peanuts are also commonly consumed during the festival. These foods are believed to provide warmth and energy during the cold winter months and are also offered to the fire as a symbol of gratitude.

As the bonfire burns, people throw til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), and popcorn into the fire as an offering to the Sun God and the fire god Agni. They also perform a traditional dance called Bhangra around the fire. Bhangra is a lively, upbeat dance that originated in the Punjab region and is typically performed to the beat of a dhol, a traditional drum. It is a joyous and energetic dance that is meant to celebrate the arrival of the new season and to chase away the cold winter months.

After the bonfire has been lit and the traditional songs and dances have been performed, families and friends often share a meal together. The meal typically consists of traditional Punjabi dishes such as roti, dal, and sabzi. These dishes are hearty and filling, making them the perfect way to warm up and fuel up after a night spent dancing and singing around the bonfire.

On the next day, people visit friends and family to exchange greetings and sweets. Children go from door to door singing Lohri songs and receive money, sweets, and snacks as Lohri gifts. This tradition is known as “Sunder mundriye” and is meant to spread joy and happiness throughout the community.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, many towns and cities also organize cultural programs and events to mark the occasion. These may include music and dance performances, parades, and competitions. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the festival in a more formal setting.

Lohri is also a time for giving back to the community. Many organizations and groups organize charity events to raise money for those in need. This can include food drives, clothing drives, and other forms of community service. It is a great way to give back and show that we are all in this together.

In conclusion, Lohri is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings families and friends together to celebrate the end of the cold winter months. It is a time for sharing food, singing traditional songs, and performing traditional dances. It is also a time for giving back to the community and spreading joy and happiness throughout the community. Whether you choose to celebrate in a traditional or modern way, Lohri is a festival that all should celebrate.

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