"Lohri"
In the present day, the concept of Lohri is about the bonfire, food baskets, fancy foods, and dancing to the tune of the hit chartbuster. But, do you know the traditional meaning of sacred bonfire and why people roam together after sunset? Well, it has a deeper meaning which is about expressing gratitude to the Almighty and dancing to the beat of the drum, and enjoying a grand feast. It is a festival that belongs to the region of Punjab and is mostly celebrated in the northern part of India. On this day foods like sesame (black sesame), gajak, jaggery (jaggery), peanuts, and popcorn are fed to Agni as part of the harvest ritual. Lohri is also associated with 'Winter Solstice' - the shortest day and the longest night. This, in fact, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Here are 5 important things you need to k
now about Lohri.
Lohri concept
Many of us are not aware that the word Lohri comes from 'Tilohari' meaning 'es til' meaning sesame and hi rorhi meaning jaggery/jaggery. Eventually, the festival is known as Lohri. It is believed that both these food elements help in purifying the body, bringing new energy for the new year. That's why food items like jaggery, gajak, tal ki chikki are offered to Agni as a show of gratitude to nature.
The importance of bonfire is believed that offering food to the fire god on this day removes all negativity from life and brings prosperity. Here, the bonfire is a symbol of the god Agni. After offering food to the Almighty, people seek blessings, prosperity and happiness from Lord Agni.
Roam around the bonfire
It is also believed that if one moves around the fire on Lohri, it helps to bring prosperity. In Punjab, this festival holds special significance for new brides. Many devotees believe that their prayers and concerns will be answered promptly and life will be filled with positivity.
Harvest festival
Lohri is a symbol of the new year for Punjabi farmers. On this day, the farmers pray and show gratitude for their crops before harvesting begins and pray to Lord Agni to bless their land abundantly. They revolve around the fire, chanting "Aadar ae dil jare" i.e. "Respect can come and poverty can be eradicated".
The magic of winter foods
The discussion of Lohri is incomplete without the winter foods that are cooked and celebrated on this day. The traditional Punjabi menu on this day includes mustard da saag and maqki di roti, sesame barfi, jaggery roti, makhane kheer, panjiri, pinni, laddu tak, gum ladoos and more.
