Every year, the festival of Lohri brings us the much-needed warmth and comfort as the winter solstice ends. January 13 has been earmarked as the day of Lohri, which is celebrated with high spirits in the state of Punjab, as well as the neighbouring states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The festival marks the end of sowing season of the winter crop and brings hope of a great harvest season, promising agricultural prosperity. This Punjabi and Hindu festival is celebrated with a bonfire and offering prayer to Agni (fire) and the Sun god for abundance of crops in the coming harvest season.
Why Is Lohri Celebrated:
The wheat crop is sown right before the start of winter in Punjab. Then it ripens during the festival of Lohri, paving way for its harvest right after the winter season.
(Also Read: A Well-Assorted Dinner Menu For Your Lohri Party)
When Is Lohri Celebrated: Lohri Date
According to the Gregorian calendar, Lohri is celebrated on the 13th of January every year. This is the month of Pausha, according to the Indian calendar. Lohri clashes with another popular festival of Makar Sankranti, which also celebrates the onset of the summer season.
How Is Lohri Celebrated:
People light a huge bonfire and gather around it to enjoy the warmth of the fire. They also throw in winter-special snacks of peanuts, rewari, puffed rice etc. as their offering to the 'agni' Dancing around the bonfire and singing folk songs is a common way of enjoying the festival.
(Also Read: 11 Authentic Lohri Food Recipes)
Foods To Celebrate Lohri With:
Traditionally, small bites made of til (sesame seeds), called rewari are eaten during this festival. Also, peanuts, gajak made with jaggery, puffed rice, popcorns are also used for munching around the bonfire, while also feeding the fire Gods. Lohri dinner typically comprises the classic Punjabi meal of makki ki roti and sarson ka saag.
Aye you all set to celebrate the festival? We are!
Happy Lohri 2022!