Lohri is a vibrant winter festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in parts of North India, primarily Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu. It holds multiple layers of significance and is celebrated for various reasons:Marking the end of winter and welcoming longer days:Lohri falls on the night before Makar Sankranti, which coincides with the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year). While not exactly aligned with the solstice itself, it symbolises the turning point where days start getting longer and warmer.The bonfire, a central element of the celebration, represents the suns warmth and the victory of light over darkness. People gather around the fire, singing, dancing, and offering prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming season.Celebrating the harvest season:Lohri coincides with the harvesting of rabi crops like sugarcane, wheat, and mustard. Its a time for farmers to express gratitude for the harvest and celebrate their hard work.Offerings of peanuts, popcorn, and sugarcane to the bonfire also symbolise prosperity and abundance.Connecting with community and cultural heritage:Lohri is a time for families, friends, and neighbours to come together, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of unity.Traditional folk songs, dances like Bhangra and Giddha, and storytelling around the bonfire keep the cultural heritage alive and pass traditions down through generations.Remembering folklore and legends:Lohri is also associated with various legends and folklore stories, like the tale of Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi hero who protected young girls from being sold into slavery. Singing Lohri songs often recounts these stories and keeps them alive in peoples memories.In summary, Lohri is a multi-faceted festival celebrating the end of winter, welcoming spring, honouring the harvest, and strengthening community bonds. Its a joyous celebration of culture, tradition, and hope for a prosperous future.(Disclaimer: This information has been collected from various mediums like astrologers, almanacs, beliefs or religious scriptures and has been presented to you. Please consult experts while making related decisions. TopIndianNews does not hold accountability for this information.)
