The new year is coming and so is Lori. Lori is a famous Punjabi festival celebrated mainly by Sikhs and Punjabis from North India. January 13 of each year marks the beginning of the longest day after winter. This traditional folk festival was mainly celebrated in northern regions. As winter turns into spring and the sun moves into the northern hemisphere, the days get longer. This holiday is celebrated with joy and happiness.
The festival is also associated with the Vikrami calendar and is celebrated on the eve of the Maggi Festival, also known as Makar Sankranti. Lori festivals take place during the Hindu month of Pausi and January of the Gregorian calendar. It is also very important for beginners, who will receive Lori’s Torch seven times. On the night of the party, they gather around the fire and blow rice and popcorn on the fire.
History of the Lori Festival
There are many stories associated with Lori, one of which is that she was Horiki’s sister, the former died in a fire and the latter survived. However, the legend of Dulla Bhatti is very relevant. Traditional festivals are believed to be as old as Indian culture. It’s also a mix of culture and history. According to Punjab history, the Batti tribe, a Rajput tribe, lived in different parts of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. This was during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Around the same time, the then-chief of the tribe, a man named Dula Bhatti, was killed in a rebellion against the Mughals. It is said that Dulla Bhati once robbed the rich and gave to the poor (like the popular character Robin Hood) which made him very popular. His legend is still popular in Punjab and is also referenced in Lori’s famous song Sunder Mundariye. One day, Dula Bhati rescued a girl who had been kidnapped by the Mughal authorities and arranged for her to be married off to a suitable Hindu boy. This event is said to have taken place at harvest time. Therefore, Lori is considered a special holiday for newcomers or we can say, newlyweds.
Some Important Facts About Lohri Festival
Happy Holidays are celebrated and friends and family gather to celebrate this happy occasion. With the arrival of the New Year, preparations for the celebration of this holiday begin. You can celebrate with your community or family if you wish. There are a few things you should know about Lori.
Festival of Harvest
Nowadays Lori is a popular harvest festival celebrated mainly in rural Punjab and Haryana. The importance of public holidays is of great importance for agriculture. This holiday is dedicated to the Rabbi or Winter Harvest. Fires are lit and all the workers gather to give out gajaks and lilies and have fun.
Hindu festival
Lori is a famous Hindu festival associated with the farming community. This holiday is celebrated in memory of the god Agni and the goddess Lori. Sweets are homemade and offered to God Agni as Prasadham in the evening.
End of Winter
This holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Lori has the coldest winter days. The days are getting warmer and spring is slowly approaching.
Summer Solstice
Yuletide and Christmas are winter holidays, so Lori is the Indian equivalent of these holidays and occasions. Due to regional and seasonal differences, it takes place a little later, in mid-January.
It’s the longest night of the year
Lori has the longest night and shortest day of the year. As the sun sets below the horizon, the loli celebration begins with fireworks, bangs, folk dances, and music.
New Financial Year Begins
It also marks the start of a new financial year for members of the Sikh community. Because on this day they cut grain and winter grain.
Goddess Lori The festival is named after Holika’s sister Lori. Holika is celebrated on the occasion of Holi and Lori in January. Also known as Lohi in Punjabi, she is called the wife of Sant Kabir.
5 Cities of Attraction in India celebrate Lohri 2023 with glamor and show
The Lohri Festival brings a lot of joy, happiness, and fortune to your home. The harvest is ready and the joie de vivre is omnipresent. Here are the top 5 Indian cities where this festival is celebrated with great buzz and enthusiasm.
Chandigarh
A beautiful and well-planned city, Chandigarh is the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Lohri Festival is celebrated with abundance, excitement, and enthusiasm. There is a big Lori party where people go to each other’s houses to say hello, exchange candy, and generally have a good time. Bright lights, fires, and gurdwaras dressed up make the whole atmosphere festive and exciting.
Amritsar
Golden Temple City Amritsar is ready to celebrate this harvest festival with enthusiasm. To the drumbeats, women dance with utmost grace and grace. The market is full of tourists and they do their best to offer delicious food. Many devotees visit Kinkakuji to ask for blessings.
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is one of the most popular and oldest cities in Punjab. The excitement of the Lohri Festival is multiplied. The enthusiasm of the revelers was contagious and spread throughout the city. Preparations for the festival started early. The market is adorned with bright lights and decorations.
Ludhiana
The beautiful city of Ludhiana in Punjab is another place where the Lohri festival is celebrated with great passion and fervor. Luminous costumes, glittering decorations, blaring music, loud footsteps, and bright lights give the city a stunning new look.
Delhi
India’s capital, Delhi, is bringing back the much-anticipated Lohli Festival. Delhi is a hotbed of culture, with people of all religions, castes, and sects taking part in the Lohri Festival, which is celebrated across the city. People love to dance to the vibrant Punjabi folk music and finger-lick delicious Makki ki roti and Sarson ka saag.
Frequently asked questions about Lohri 2023
Que. 1. Why is Lohri celebrated?
Ans. 1. Lohri is mainly celebrated by North Indian Sikhs and Punjabis. It is celebrated on January 13th every year. A popular harvest festival is celebrating the transition from winter to spring. The importance of this holiday is even more important to the farming community. This holiday celebrates the Rabbinic or Winter Harvest.
Que. 2. Is Lohri a Hindu festival?
Ans. 2. Lohri is a popular Hindu festival closely associated with the farming community. This festival is also celebrated to commemorate the god Agni and the goddess Lori. Sweets are homemade and served at night as prasad to god Agni.
