Lohri

Today  the festival which I have chosen is Lohri, which is very popular,especially with the children.

In freezing cold winter, when the mountain peaks are covered with thick snow, and the towns and cities below are surrounded with thick fog, every thing seems to be inactive. In such a weather you find people making preparations to celebrate a festival, which is soaked in merriment, laughter and gaiety. Yes, I am referring to Lohri. It is mid January, when the earth is farthest from the sun, it starts its journey towards the sun. People in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh  celebrate Lohri with great enthusiasm.

 

In the morning, children go from house to house collecting money to light a bonfire at night. In the evening after sunset, bonfires can be seen at various places.                                
                                

People offer peanuts, popcorns, puffed rice and eatables to the fire. Every member of the family puts dried wooden sticks in the fire. These offerings are a prayer to the god of fire that there should always be plenty of food   for    everyone .

Men and women dance  with gaiety . There is great excitement on the first Lohri of a newlywed couple. It is celebrated with great pomp and show. A new born baby in the family  is also an occasion for jubilation. Lohri is also a time for merry making.

There is a folk song which has words to express gratitude to  Dulla.

The next day after Lohri, is celebrated as Makar Sankrant. It is believed to be the beginning of  a new year. Pongal, in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam are also treated as the  beginning of a new year.

The attached video gives a glimpse of the Bhangra Dance.

Words 300
Pics courtesy Google(2)
Video YouTube