Great enthusiasm
Rinku Dhawan
Lohri marks the end of winter season and is a favourable period for harvesting, which is especially crucial for farmers in Punjab. Typically, our families gather together and offer prayers. It symbolises the New Year and marks a fresh start. The celebration revolves around food and dance. This year, I’ll be joining the festivities in my society, where people celebrate with great enthusiasm.
Folk tale
Nikhil Nanda
Lohri is celebrated with great fervour in Punjab is intertwined with the folklore of Bhatti Wala, who heroically saved Hindu and Sikh girls from being abducted by the Mughals. Bhatti Wala earned widespread respect for his actions. Even a song is dedicated to him and the two girls he rescued, Sundari and Mundari.
Sweet affair
Arav Chowdharry
During the festive occasion of Lohri, a significant tradition involves gathering around a bonfire, where a special sweet called revari is offered to the fire God. This ritual holds cultural and symbolic importance, signifying the collective celebration of the end of winter and the anticipation of a prosperous harvest. My wife is Punjabi, so we celebrate Lohri every year with great fervour. I extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous Lohri and a delightful Makar Sankranti to everyone, hoping that the warmth of the bonfire and the sweetness of the festivities bring prosperity to all.
Banish negativity
Aneesha Madhok
I am so proud to be a Punjabi and celebrate Lohri with great fervour. Through the festival, I have always connected with my grandparents for they are truly rooted in tradition. We all get together, usually at my nani’s home, dance around the fire and get rid of all negative thoughts. Lohri is a time to pray and seek blessings for the family and loved ones. The festival heralds the start of the harvest season and the ripening of winter crops.
Great significance
Charrul Malik
I eagerly wait for the arrival of Lohri, a festival that holds a special place in my heart. Since childhood, we have been celebrating this festival with great fervour, although in Mumbai Lohri is not celebrated much. Lohri, also known as the til-gud festival, marks a day of new beginnings as we pay homage to the Fire God. It holds great significance for farmers. This annual celebration serves as a connection to our cultural roots and I enjoy it to the core.
Sweet celebration
Mohit Kapoor
On Lohri, people pray to God for a good harvest and wish for an even better one in the coming year. The story of Dulla Bhatti is also associated with this festival. We used to celebrate it with our parents during childhood. This time we are planning to have a small rooftop event. It is customary to distribute sweets, especially til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), and peanuts during Lohri. These items are considered auspicious and symbolise abundance.
Fond memories
Angad Hasija
Lohri always meant family time for me. It is all about positivity, vibrancy, and looking forward to an even better tomorrow. Lohri has always been celebrated in a big way at home ever since I can remember. It is an important festival for Punjabis. I have fond memories of Lohri.