12 January,2024 04:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/iStock
Lohri, a popular festival in North India, marks the culmination of winter and the arrival of longer days. Celebrated on the night before Makar Sankranti, Lohri holds cultural significance and is observed with enthusiasm, especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Lohri 2024: Significance
The festival is primarily associated with the harvest season, and the joyous occasion is marked by vibrant celebrations, traditional customs, and communal gatherings. One of the most iconic aspects of Lohri is the lighting of bonfires, symbolizing the energy of the sun and seeking its warmth during the cold winter nights.
Lohri 2024: Celebrations
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The festivities commence with families and communities gathering around a bonfire in the evening. People offer prayers to the fire, thanking it for the warmth it provides and seeking abundance in the coming year. As part of the tradition, sesame seeds, jaggery, and various nuts are also offered to the fire while singing traditional folk songs.
Dance and music play a vital role in Lohri celebrations. Drum beats and the melodic tunes of traditional instruments fill the air, creating an ambiance of joy and camaraderie.
Another integral part of Lohri is the exchange of greetings and sweets among friends and family. Traditional Punjabi dishes, especially those made with jaggery and sesame seeds, are prepared and shared with loved ones. The festive menu includes Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti, sweet delights like gajak and rewari, and, of course, the quintessential til and gur (jaggery).
On the occasion of Lohri, here are few wishes and messages that you can share with our loved ones.
