Happy Lohri 2024: Here Are 10 Interesting Facts About The Festival You Must Know

Lohri is a popular Indian festival that is celebrated across the state of Punjab, and parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Delhi with great enthusiasm and fervour.

All The Details About Lohri, The Northern Indian Harvest Festival

The festival of Lohri falls on January 13 each year and it is mostly celebrated by the ‘Sikh’ and ‘Hindu’ communities across the country and around the globe. In the process of celebration of the festival, a huge bonfire is lit, and folk songs are sung and dances are performed along the beats of the ‘dhol’. ‘Bhangra’ and ‘gidda’ are the major celebratory dances done by people on the occasion. The classic gourmet dishes enjoyed on the occasion are dry fruits, peanuts, popcorn and ‘makki di roti’ with ‘sarso da saag’.

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We now take you through 10 interesting facts about the festival that marks the start of summer, longer days and the harvest season.

• The festival of Lohri marks the end of the winter season and it is observed each year on January 13 which falls a day before ‘Makar Sankrati’.
• Lohri is also called ‘Maghi. The festival marks the start of the financial new year and holds a lot of cultural importance for the ‘Sikh’ community.
• On Lohri, people gather around the bonfire in the evening, and throw puffed rice, popcorn, peanuts and dry fruits into the fire.
• The first Lohri for a new bride is considered very special and her presence makes the occasion even more special with her bridal clothes. Accompanied by her husband dressed in a turban, she performs ‘gidda’ which is a traditional Punjabi dance form for women; around the bonfire with her in-laws by her side.
• The word ‘Lohri’ originates from the root ‘Loh’ which refers to warmth and light. According to the ancient scriptures ‘Lohri’ was the sister of ‘Holika’ who survived along with ‘Prahlad’.
• Lohri is also known as the day that marks the winter solstice. Each year, on this day the sun leans towards the Tropic of Cancer.
• Celebratory eating of ‘til’ which means sesame seeds in Hindi and ‘rohri’ which is jaggery is an essential part of the festival. ‘Til’ and ‘rohri’ together make the name of the festival ‘Tillohri’ or Lohri.
• Kite flying as an activity on Lohri is a popular custom in Punjab. People climb onto their rooftops and fly kites of myriad hues and shapes, and sizes.
• ‘Gajak’, ‘sarso da saag’, and ‘makke di roti’ are some of the signature preparations made during the festival of Lohri.

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• Lohri is known to be celebrated as a festival in honour of ‘Dulla Bhatti’ who was known to be the Robin Hood of the Punjab Province.