Lohri

Lohri is the famous festival of India celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the states of Punjab and Haryana. The festival is also celebrated in the parts of Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu.

Lohri is the cultural festival of Punjabis celebrated on the eve of winter solstice. On the day children bring wood sticks from their grandparents and aunties and burnt these sticks in the night with people enjoying singing and dancing around the fire. Till, peanuts, popcorn and other food items are also thrown into the fire. Lohri is then distributed at night during the festival.

The bonfire ceremony differs depending on the people, place and their tradition. In some parts, a small image of the Lohri goddess made with gobar (cattle dung) is put in between the wooden sticks. People come and revolve around the fire through enchanting praises while praying the goddess.

Lohri is a festival dedicated to the end of the winter season and the coming of summers.It is believed that the Lohri night is the longest night of the year and the day after Lohri, day light is meant to increase.

Traditionally, Lohri is also associated with the harvest of the Rabi crops. People take peanuts, rewri, flour, butter and various food items to religious places to worship and thanking God for a good harvest.

Lohri is the festival of joy and happiness shared with everyone along with the auspicious rituals to celebrate the festival.