The Lohri Loot
The children brigade starts for the lohri loot right from the morning with the gang shouting out “Ek do Lohri do, Zyada nahi to thodi do” at every other door and ask for lohri loot in the form of money or eatables like til, jaggery, gajak, rewri, etc.
2. The tales behind Lohri
It is said in the Bhagwad Geeta, Shri Krishna manifests himself in his full magnificence during this time. Also, the people sing in the praise of Dulla Bhatti, an avatar of Robin Hood, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and also, helped a miserable village girl in running away by getting her married off.
3. The bonfire ceremony
At dusk, bonfires are lit, people gather around ,take parikramas and throw puffed rice and popcorn into the fire, praying to Agni, the fire God, “Aadar aye dilather jaye” which means May honor come and poverty vanish.
4. Offerings to the God
After orbiting the bonfire, people meet friends and relatives, exchange greetings and wish each other good health and prosperity. Til, gajak, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn are distributed are Prasad.
Image Source: Lohricelebrations
5. The celebration
In the festival, people sing popular folk songs. Men dance to their folk dance “bhangra“ and women perform the elegant “gidda” dance with great enthusiasm.
Image source: theindianpanaroma
6. Celebrating the arrival of new members in the family
The first Lohri of a new bride or a newborn baby is considered extremely important. Usually, the family which is celebrating a new born baby or a newlywed bride hosts and arranges the feast.
7. The Lohri Daawat
Winter forte are served around the bonfire with the traditional dinner of makki di roti and sarson da saag.
8. The zestful get-together
Lohri, for Punjabis, is not just a festival. It is like a huge occasion to get along with family, relatives and friends, by getting into a relaxing and enjoying spirit.
9. Maghi Day
The day following Lohri is called Maghi day, signifying Magh month’s beginning according to the Hindu calendar. Also, it is a belief that taking a holy dip in the river on this day will be prosperous for wealth and health.
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