lohri
TRANSCRIPT
LohriBy: Kirat Sraa
What is Lohri?
Lohri is a festival to worship fire that is celebrated on the 13th of January. This festival marks both sharing and celebration. Lohri is the cultural celebration of the winter solstice. This festival is celebrated by people living in Punjab and Northern Indian States like Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Historical SignificanceOver time, people have associated Lohri to the tale of Dulla Bhatti. He was known as the Robin Hood of Punjab because he stole from the rich and gave to the poor as well as rescued punjabi girls from being forcibly taken to be sold in a slave market. There are hundreds of traditions and stories associated with this legendary figure in Punjab.
Customs and Traditions
During the day, children go from door to door singing folk songs. These children are given sweets and savories, and occasionally, money.The collections gathered by the children are known as Lohri and consist of til, gachak, crystal sugar, gur, moongphali and popcorn.
In the evening, people gather around bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice, and popcorn into the flames as well as sing popular folk songs. There are some people who also dance around the bonfire until the fire dies out.
Lohri Folk Songs
Interesting and Relevant Facts
● Lohri is a festival that people have been celebrating for thousands of years.
● Whenever a baby is born or a newly wed girl is brought to her in laws, members of that house celebrate Lohri.
● Some people believe that the word Lohri comes from the two words til and rohri, which was later shortened to Lohri.
Lohri-sweets-special-rewari
Lohri Reflection
In Canada, we celebrate Lohri by going to the gurdwara. On the day of Lohri we also distribute sweets to all our relatives. I have seen Lohri in India, there they fly kites on the day of Lohri and sometimes have kite fights; whoever’s kite gets cut first loses. They also sit around bonfires and dance.
Referenceshttp://www.happywink.org/lohrifestival/
http://www.theholidayspot.com/lohri/
http://www.indiaparenting.com/indian-culture/70_3523/lohri-festival.html
http://topyaps.com/6-interesting-facts-lohri