Ashok Sharma
India, often described as a land of diversity, stands as a unique example of unity in diversity. It is home to people of different religions, languages and cultures who live harmoniously, contributing to a rich and vibrant heritage. Festivals in India reflect this cultural tapestry, highlighting the nation’s deep-rooted traditions. These festivals not only add joy to life but also bring people together, transcending boundaries of caste, creed and religion. Among such festivals, Lohri holds a special place, particularly in North India including Duggar, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Observed on January 13 each year, Lohri marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days after the Winter Solstice. It also coincides with the harvesting season of Rabi crops, making it a festival of thanksgiving to nature. Predominantly celebrated in Punjab, Haryana and Jammu Province Lohri has more social than religious significance and is regarded as a festival of joy, prosperity and fertility.
Legends Associated with Lohri
Lohri is enriched with folklore and legends add depth and meaning to its celebration. One of the most famous legends is that of Dulla Bhatti, a heroic figure during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Dulla Bhatti is remembered as the Punjabi ‘Robin Hood’ who rescued girls from being sold into slavery. He arranged their marriages and provided dowries from wealth taken from the rich. Sundri and Mundri, two such girls he saved, are immortalized in the popular Lohri song ‘Sunder Munderiye,’ sung during the celebrations.Other folk songs associated with Lohri, such as ‘Hulle nee maiye hulle’, express gratitude for the harvest and invoke blessings for prosperity. These songs are passed down through generations, preserving cultural values and traditions.
Preparations and Celebrations
Preparations for Lohri begin well in advance. In rural areas, people collect firewood, twigs and cow dung cakes to build bonfires, which are central to the festival. Markets bustle with activity as people shop for festive items like groundnuts, sesame seeds, jaggery, popcorn and sweets like gajak and rewri.On the day of Lohri, children roam from house to house, singing traditional songs and collecting gifts and treats. They are often rewarded with sweets, money and blessings. In many villages, boys create decorative structures called Chhajja using bamboo sticks and colorful paper, which they carry while performing the Chhajja Dance. They enjoy, dance and sing joyfully ‘ Chhajja mora bhai Chhajja mora,’ ‘Dabba bharya leeraan da,Ae ghar ameeraan da’ etc and move from one house to another asking for gifts, especially from those where a marriage or a birth of a child has taken place.
Young girls also visit different homes, especially where new births have taken place and sing cheerful songs, demanding gifts from the elders. They are welcomed with sweets and money, symbolizing blessings for happiness and fertility. Those who refuse to give are humorously ridiculed through songs, such as ‘Hukka ae Hukka, ae ghar Bhukha’, maintaining the playful spirit of the festival.
Bonfire Ritual and Offerings
The bonfire, a central element of Lohri, represents warmth, energy and fertility. Families gather around the fire after sunset, offering til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), peanuts and sweets to the flames while chanting prayers. This ritual seeks blessings for prosperity, good health and protection from evil.The bonfire is not just symbolic but also practical, providing warmth during the cold January night. People sing, dance and rejoice around the fire, making it a social event that strengthens community bonds.
Special Significance for Newlyweds and Newborns
Lohri holds special significance for newly married couples and families blessed with newborns. It marks the beginning of a new phase in their lives and celebrations in such households are particularly grand. Brides wear vibrant traditional attire and newborns are showered with gifts and blessings. Special feasts are organizedand close relatives and friends are invited to join the festivities.
In some regions, elaborate performances featuring singers and dancers add to the celebrations. The Heran Dance (Deer Dance) performed by folk artists is a major attraction. Dancers dress as deer,girls and a joker, entertaining the crowd while seeking gifts. Their lively performances fill the night with laughter and cheer, making the festival memorable. While moving from house to house,the number of revellers increases. The revellers shout in excitement ‘Harna Harna Shalien De,Sutte de byali de,Harney ditti latte di,Chur bhajji Khatte di’ filling the atmosphere with joy,fun and frolic.
Lohri’s Astrological and Spiritual Significance
Lohri is deeply rooted in astronomy and spirituality. It coincides with the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar) as it moves towards the northern hemisphere. This event, known as Makar Sankranti, marks the beginning of Uttarayan-a period considered highly auspicious in Hinduism.The transition signifies the end of long, cold nights and the arrival of warmer days, symbolizing positivity, growth and new beginnings. Lohri celebrates this celestial shift, seeking divine blessings for agricultural prosperity and happiness.The fire, central to Lohri, represents Agni (the Fire God) and acts as a medium for prayers. Offerings made to the fire symbolize gratitude for nature’s bounty and a prayer for continued prosperity.
Unity in Diversity
One of the most beautiful aspects of Lohri is its ability to bring people together. It cuts across social and religious barriers, uniting communities in celebration. People from different walks of life join hands to sing, dance and share joy, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood.Modern advancements, however, have changed the way festivals like Lohri are celebrated. With the younger generation increasingly engrossed in technology, traditional celebrations risk fading away. It becomes the responsibility of parents and elders to educate children about the cultural importance of Lohri and involve them in its rituals.
Modern Celebrations
In the contemporary era, Lohri has adapted to modern trends. Schools and colleges often organize Lohri celebrations, where students dress in traditional attire, perform dances and light bonfires on campus. Social media platforms are flooded with festive messages, photos and videos, keeping the spirit of Lohri alive in the digital age.Despite modernization, the essence of Lohri remains unchanged-expressing gratitude for nature’s blessings, sharing joy with loved ones and celebrating unity.
Conclusion
Lohri is more than just a festival; it is a cultural legacy that embodies gratitude, unity and happiness. It provides an opportunity to celebrate nature’s bounty, strengthen bonds and promote communal harmony.As the bonfires illuminate the night sky, they symbolize hope, warmth and positivity. It is a festival that encourages people to embrace life’s blessings, share joy and preserve cultural traditions.In an age dominated by technology, festivals like Lohri serve as reminders of our rich heritage and values. It is imperative to pass on these traditions to the next generation, ensuring that the flames of Lohri continue to burn brightly in the years to come.The rhythmic beats of the dhol, the crackling bonfire and the cheerful songs of Lohri echo the timeless spirit of celebration, reinforcing the message of unity in diversity-a message that defines India’s cultural essence.
(The writer is a Sr. Lect (retd.) from SED, Govt. of J&K)
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