Amidst the freezing cold winter, chilling breeze and foggy atmosphere when the temperature wobbles between 3 to 5 degree centigrade, the life in the Northern part of India falls stagnant. The relief, however comes in the form of a Bonfire festival, popularly known as ‘Lohri’ in Punjab, Haryana and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Lohri is the most awaited festival in the month of January as litting bonfire descends a moment of warmth and tenderness amongst the family members. The festival celebrates the harvest of Ravi or winter crops and involves thanking the almighty God for the healthy harvest. Considered an extremely auspicious day, Lohri marks the Sun's entry into the 'Makar Rashi' or the northern hemisphere. This period that begins on 13th January and lasts till 14th January, is popularly known as ‘Uttarayan’. Bhagawad Gita, the mythological book deems it an extremely sacred and auspicious time when Lord Krishna lands up with various manifestations.

This festival is commemorated by the Punjabis all across India with lot of enthusiasm and vigor. It is highly significant as ‘wheat’ which is considered the staple crop of the Punjabis, is sown in October. Lohri is celebrated in January with the promise of a golden harvest or an autumnal equinox in March or April the next year. Punjabis, especially the farmers shower heartfelt respect to the omnipresent God thanking him for all that he has given and wishing a prosperous harvest of the following year. The Lohri day is celebrated among rank and file with lots of vim and brio. Children visit door to door singing and merrymaking on this special day. However, they also make a point to demand Lohri “loot” in the form of delectable eatables such as jaggery, peanuts, til (sesame) seeds, sweets like rewri, gajak etc. The song they sing is also symbolic in its own way as they chants in praise of ‘Dulha Bhatti’. Dulha Bhatti, a legendary heroic figure called ‘the Punjabi avatar of Robin Hood’ who robbed the rich to help poor and needy. He assisted numerous girls in getting married and even protected them from any untoward consequences in life.

Once the sun descends, excitement and jubilation begins. In the evening, bonfires are lit in the harvesting fields or in the front yards of the house. People in huge numbers encircle the rising flames of the bonfire and chant songs. They devour puffed rice, popcorn and other munchies in the fire shouting "Aadar aye dilather jaye" (May honor come and poverty vanish!). ‘Agni’ God is prayed with due respect in this ritual. With a hearty devotion and respect, the family members find it utmost auspicious to exchange pleasantries between each other. Family problems or animosity in relations evaporates in a matter of seconds. It is perhaps the best time for a family get together or friends’ re-union with jovial festivity. After the ‘parikrama’ ends, people also make it a point to exchange gifts and distribute holy ‘prasad’. The ‘prasad’ mainly consists of peanuts, til, gajak, popcorn, jaggery etc.

As the Lori day is mostly dedicated to the women folk and the children, they get the highest attention. The first Lohri of a new bride is equally important as for a new born child. It is expected to bring in good luck, endurance and happiness in the days to come. As the evening falls and dust sets, winter savories are served around the bonfire. A sumptuous traditional dinner comprising of sarson-da-saag and makki-di-roti (i.e., cooked mustard herbs and multi-millet hand-rolled bread) makes the night grand. People mostly the women and the children share immense fun and jubilation sitting beneath the moonlit night.

Lohri celebrates fertility and the joy of life, and in the event of the birth of a male child or a marriage in the family, it assumes even a larger significance. The family holds a fests in honor of the pregnant lady where traditional bhangra dance are performed with utmost vitality and fervour. 

Author Bio :

The author writes for online blog portal Of-India.com that showcases blogs based on various Indian traditions, culture and customs, rituals or festivals. This site will help NRIs gather a detailed analysis of Indian rituals or traditions.