Lohri 2024: History, Significance, And All You Need To Know

Lohri marks the end of the winter solstice and harvesting of the rabi crops. Let's explore the background, meaning, and customs that make Lohri such a special day.

Lohri 2024: All About The Harvest Festival

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Lohri is a harvest festival which is celebrated usually by Dogras and Punjabi primarily in North India. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and harvesting of the rabi crops. On this day people celebrate their first child born, marriage and many more with enthusiasm and zeal. Let's explore the background, meaning, and customs that make Lohri such a special day.

Lohri 2024: History And Significance

The origins of Lohri may be found in the region of Punjab, where it was mostly an agricultural celebration. Wheat, the primary winter crop in Punjab, is cultivated in the month of October, which in turn blooms in January across the vast fields of this Indian state. While the actual harvesting of this Rabi crop occurs in March, after weeks dedicated to this agricultural process, people come together around bonfires to celebrate the conclusion of the winter solstice and the anticipation of the approaching spring season.

The celebration of Lohri holds additional significance as, on this day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), marking an auspicious moment symbolising new beginnings. Some historical accounts trace the festival's origin back to the Himalayan mountain region, where the winters are notably harsher compared to the rest of the country.

Lohri 2024: Rituals

The celebration of Lohri Festival involves a series of rituals and traditions. In the evening people light a bonfire to keep themselves warm and offer prayers to the deity of fire. People throw peanut, til, popcorn and other food items into the bonfire and pray for happiness and longevity. 

Over and above any specific religious connotation Lohri as a festival holds a significant social importance. It serves as a day that generates a sense of belonging, love that is shared among all the members of the society where they live and celebrate the festival together. On this day people are free from their daily routine and responsibilities.

Lohri 2024: Dos And Don’ts You Need To Keep In Mind:

Munish Garg who is an astrology expert from All India Institute of Occult Science and True Vastu founded by Chairman Gurudev Shrie Kashyap listed the Dos and Don'ts that we need to keep in mind:

Dos:

• On this day people need to wake up early in the morning and go to Mandir, Gurudwara along with their family to seek blessings and pray for their happiness and longevity.
• People exchange sweets and gifts with their friends and society and wear new clothes.
• Rewari is distributed to poor girls.
• On this day if there is any disturbance in the family, performing these remedies help- making khichdi of black gram split and feeding black or white cow.
• If people face money related problems, they need to take a red piece of cloth, wheat (according to their family situation), then put the wheat inside the red cloth, tie it and donate it to the needy people. It helps to improve their financial problem.

Don'ts:

• In the past, old people say that Black clothes should not be worn in any rituals because black colour symbolises dullness, trouble and mourning.
• Don’t eat non-veg food. It is not valid in Hindu rituals and Vedas.
• Do not insult anyone as it's a day to spread love and happiness, not a negative message to society.

Lohri 2024: Wishes

Enjoy your Lohri with sending the warmth and lovely wishes to your friends and families:

• I hope the warmth of the blaze brings happiness and optimism into your life.
• May you experience wealth and plenty as the harvest season approaches.
• I hope the joyous beats of the traditional songs and dances fill your soul.
• May the links of community and family grow stronger with each passing Lohri.
• I hope the celebration brings with it a season of unending joy and fresh starts.