All about LohriBy: Harleen Multani :)

What is Lohri?Lohri is a festival of harvest. It is a cultural celebration of the winter solstice. Lohri comes during mid- January. Lohri is celebrated by people in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. This harvest festival is celebrated to mark celebration and sharing. The Festival of Lohri marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. It is believed that Lohri has the longest night of the year. After this day, the days start to become longer and the nights start to become shorter.

Historical Significance Dulla Bhatti (Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti) was known as the Robin Hood of Punjab. He robbed the rich and gave to the poor. He rescued girls who were being forcibly taken away to a slave market. He arranged marriages of young girls with Hindu boys and paid the dowries. The people of the area loved and respected him. He was a legendary 16th century outlaw. He led a rebellion against the Mughal emperor Akbar, and is a popular folk hero in Punjab. Most Lohri songs are sung in praise of Dulla Bhatti.

Custom and TraditionsOn Lohri, people celebrate it by lighting a bonfire during the evening, dancing on the music of the dhol, eating traditional dishes, singing popular folk songs around the bonfire. They throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames of the fire.

Men and women perform bhangra and giddha around the bonfire. Children go house to house singing folk songs andthey were given money or something to eat (sesame seeds, peanuts, rayver and gajak ) as an offering.

Sesame seeds

Popular folk song

Interesting and Relevant facts● Lohri marks the end of winter on the last day of Paush, and

beginning of Magha● Associated with the worship of the sun and fire● Lohri, is celebrated every year on 13th of January.● People meet friends and relatives, exchange greetings and

gifts

Lohri ReflectionsOn Lohri, I buy some sweets for me (my family) and to give to the gurdwara. We also buy some wheat (gurdwara) and go to the gurdwara. Thats basically how I celebrate Lohri!

References

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/lohri/eventcoverage/11338115.cmshttp://www.happywink.org/lohrifestival/harvest-festival-of-punjab.htmlhttp://nonstopbhangra.com/lohri-stories-the-legend-of-dulla-bhatti/http://www.indiaparenting.com/indian-culture/70_3523/lohri-festival.html

References 2

http://www.caclubindia.com/forum/lohri-some-facts-and-its-beauty-121360.asp#.UtypvBDn-Uk