All you need to know about the Lohri Festival 2022

What is Lohri?

Lohri Festival is celebrated on the 13th of January every year just before Makar Sankranti. It is an important festival catering to the Sikh and the Hindu community but enjoyed by all. It is observed in the regions of North India like –Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and other nearby regions. The celebration is an ode to mother nature by thanking her for her blessings throughout the year. It also marks the end of the winter solstice and welcoming of the sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere – basically marking the beginning of the harvest season.

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Unlike other festivals, where people go to other’s homes to distribute sweets, the Lohri festival requires people to come to a commonplace to celebrate, rejoice and wish each other Happy Lohri indicating the beginning of a new season.

What does the name Lohri mean?

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It is said that the word Lohri is derived from two words til which means sesame and rorhi which means – jaggery. These are the two traditional eaten items during the festival. When these two words were said together, it sounded like – tilohri, and over the years, people morphed the word and it then became Lohri.

How is it celebrated?

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The preparations for Lohri begin a month ago. Children or family members start collecting sticks and wood to be burnt during the bonfire.

The day usually starts with children going around houses singing songs and in return given savories, sweets and money – occasionally as sending them back empty-handed doesn’t bring good luck. Houses are decorated with a full swing with special treats being made.

The prasad made generally is a mix of 6 main items which aretil, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn. This is usually given to people as an offering and blessing.

People usually celebrate in the evening by lighting huge bonfires in the harvested fields in front of the people’s houses. People go around the bonfire and throw munchies, popcorn, puffed rice into the fire as a tribute to the gods to banish poverty, prosper in prosperity and receive blessings. Once the fire fades out, dinner is enjoyed with the winter favourite dishes which include Makki Di Roti (savoury pancakes made with corn flour) Sarson da saag (mustard spinach leaves curry), and lassi (yogurt drink).

The festival is rejoiced in full swing with all wearing their traditional clothes, dancing to typical folk music created on the dhol and singing famous songs. Both men and women also perform the traditional Bhangra and Giddha that is truly enjoyed by everyone.

The festival is also auspicious to newly born children and recently married couples. Families, relatives, and friends come giving blessings and gifts.

HOW IS LOHRI CELEBRATED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA

Delhi

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Being the capital state, Delhi celebrates all festivals with as much rejoice as the rest of the festivals. Long ques are often seen outside markets and vendors to buy decorations and sweets. Gurudwaras generally prepare langar which is served to all.

Amritsar

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Home to the Golden Temple – Amritsar celebrates this festival with extreme joy and happiness. People put on their best outfits and visit the holy temple to seek blessings and eat the langar that is made. People are also seen flying kites which is an important part of the festival.

Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh also celebrates Lohri with great enthusiasm. People go out to buy new clothes to be worn on Lohri. Men and women dance to the tunes of traditional music. Fairs are also organized as a part of the celebration

Punjab

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Lohri is an official holiday in the state of Punjab. In Punjab, people wear the brightest clothes and dance to Bhangra and Gida on the beats of the dhol. There are various cultural programs, sports competitions as a part of the celebration. It is also the best time to try some authentic Punjabi delicacies that will keep you wanting more.

Lohri is the start to many festivals that happen in India during the year. Being a culturally diverse country, there are many such festivals that help us get closer to our roots and history. To experience the diversity of what our country offers, just explore each and every corner of India and that too in low budget. How? Log in to EaseMyTrip and check out great travel offers on flight tickets, buses, hotels, cabs, and trains.

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