2. 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.
3.
4. Historical Significance
Over 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.
5.
6. 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.
7.
8. 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.
10. 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.
12. 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.
