The festival marks the start of the harvest season and celebrated with much fervour and zest.
Importance of Lohri
The festival usually marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season of Rabi crops in Punjab. On the occasion, people to pray for a good harvest and bumper cropping season. People offer prayers expressing gratitude to Agni (fire) and the Sun god for abundant crops. In Punjab, the main crop is wheat, which is sown after the rainy season in October and harvested in March or April. Around Lohri and Makar Sankranti, the wheat starts ripening giving hope to farmers who look forward to a bumper harvest.
Going back to legends, Lohri is considered to be Holika’s sister who, along with Bhakt Prahlad was unscathed when burnt in the fire while other believe the festival also known as Loi was named after saint Kabir’s wife. On this day people come together in front of a bonfire to mark the celebrations every year. The festival is all about togetherness when people enjoy food besides singing and dancing around the bonfire.
Timing of Lohri
As per drikpanchang, the Lohri Sankranti moment will be at 8:28 am on January 14th, 2021.
Ways of celebration
Bonfires remain one of the central activity during the festival which also adds warmth and cheer in the cold winter night.
In villages farmers gather and light huge bonfires in the evening wearing colourful clothes. In cities also, bonfires are lit in the community parks where people in the neighbourhood come with their families People offer peanuts, puffed rice, popcorn and rewari to the flames while worshipping fire.
People also perform special Lohri songs and folklore while children in Punjab go around singing in praise of Dulha Bhatti, a legendary Punjabi figure, much like Robin Hood, who was very kind to the poor and the downtrodden
People enjoy the day flying kites and sending Happy Lohri messages. Group dances are very special on Lohri. A heritage of Punjab, men and women do Bhangra, Jhoomer, Giddha and Kikli.
Lohri messages
May this festival of zeal and verve fill your life with lots of energy and enthusiasm and may it help you bring happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Lohri All!
On this auspicious day of Lohri, I wish you to have all peace and prosperity, Let this festival brings endless happiness to you and your family, Wish you Happy Lohri!
“On this festive season of Lohri, may God bless you with good health and lifelong companionship.”
“Play the Punjabi music and dance on the tunes of drum this Lohri and share smile & laughter with all.”
“Hope this festive season brings joy to your heart and fulfills all your wishes on this auspicious occasion. Happy Lohri my love”
“May this Lohri bring the best opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life, turning all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into huge achievements. Happy Lohri”
“May this festival of zeal and verve fill your life with lots of energy and enthusiasm that will bring ultimate prosperity to you. Happy Lohri”
“Hope this grand celebration of Lohri completes your life with utmost love and joy. Wish you a very Happy Lohri”