Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in the northern region of India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It is traditionally celebrated on the 13th of January every year, and marks the end of the winter solstice. Lohri is a harvest festival and is celebrated to mark the end of the winter season and the start of the spring. People light bonfires, offer sweets and popcorns to the fire, sing and dance around the fire and exchange Lohri greetings with friends and family. It is also a festival that marks the start of the planting season and farmers offer the first crop of the season to the fire as a symbol of gratitude.
Jammu stands out during the celebrations of Lohri. People perform the traditional dance of Chajja and Dandaras, and also enact the traditional theater form of Heran. People in Jammu also make Tricholi which is offered as prasad.
Apart from the joy of celebrating Lohri, it also symbolizes the spirit of togetherness, caring and sharing. People get together to celebrate and cherish the spirit of the festival. The bright bonfire and exchange of Lohri greetings makes it a special occasion for everyone. The sweet and popcorns offered to the fire by the elders of the family is a way of wishing good health and prosperity to everyone in the family.
Lohri is a festival that not only brings joy and good luck but also a time to give thanks to God for all the blessings and good fortune. It is a reminder to be grateful and live life with joy and enthusiasm. So, let us all come together to celebrate the festival of Lohri with lots of fun and happiness.
Happy Lohri
