Happy Lohri - An Indian festival with bonfires

 The Gregorian calendar states that every year, Lohri falls on January 13. The final day of Paush, the shortest and coldest month of the year, coincides with Lohri, according to the local calendar. Before the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year, Lohri was celebrated in the past. Today, it is observed when the sun begins to migrate from the south to the north, or at the beginning of Uttarayana.

According to tradition, Lohri is a long-standing Hindu festival celebrated in the middle of winter in areas close to the Himalayan Mountains where the winters are colder than in other parts of the subcontinent. The Hindus lit bonfires and interacted while seated around the bonfire before breaking into singing and dancing after weeks of crop cultivation during the Rabi season. Hindus celebrated Makar Sankranti by taking a holy bath in a sacred body of water after a nightlong party around a campfire.

The first day of the Magh month, which falls on the day after the Lohri festival, is known in Punjab as Maghi. Pongal is observed on this day in Tamil Nadu, and Makar Sankranti is observed in the majority of other states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

In particular among farmers, the harvest season is a time of joy and celebration. Farmers assemble to praise Surya (the Sun God) for the warmth and blessing of heat that made the beautiful harvest possible—a recompense for their many months of arduous labor.

We owe a debt of gratitude to farmers for their tireless work throughout the year, without which we would not be able to survive or eat. The festival of Lohri is observed as much as a symbol of respect and acknowledgment for the farmers as it is a celebration of a rich and prosperous year of harvest.

Many of us are unaware that the word "Lohri" is derived from the words "Tilohri," where "til" denotes sesame and "rorhi" denotes jaggery or gur. The celebration eventually became known simply as Lohri. Both of these food components are said to aid in cleansing the body and provide newfound energy for the New Year. To express gratitude to nature, edibles like jaggery, gajak, and til ki chikki are offered to the fire.

On Lohri, it is also thought that walking around the fire promotes prosperity. This event has a special meaning for newlyweds in Punjab. Many believers think that their prayers and worries will be immediately answered, and that their lives would be blessed.

New Bride Traditions during Lohri:

During the first Lohri following the marriage, the in-laws invite the newlywed wife to their home and throw a lavish feast.

The newlywed girl wears in traditional attire, accessories with flowers, jewelry, including bindis, necklaces, earrings, bangles, toe rings, armlets, waistbands, and anklets, and dressed like a bride. She applies mehndi and perfumes like perfume and sandalwood paste.

Friends and family approach the newlyweds while they are seated in the heart of the festivities to wish them well and present them with gifts.

The bride is customarily given clothing and jewelry by the in-laws.

First Lohri with a newborn:

The birth of a child is a fortunate event that fills the family with joy and optimism, so they celebrate by planning a lavish feast for their loved ones.

The child receives blessings and presents from both the paternal and maternal grandparents.

Friends and family get together to bless the couple and their new baby and to offer them gifts.

So as you can see, Lohri is a beautiful way to start the new year because it is filled with social gatherings, festivities, and joy. This is a welcome tradition and wonderful opportunity to strengthen your relationships with your family, friends, and neighbors on a physical, mental, and spiritual level in an era of virtual gatherings and video conferences.