The festival of Lohri is being celebrated with full traditional fervour and enthusiasm in many parts of North India, mainly in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The festival is a celebration of happiness, warmth and brotherhood, besides being associated with the joy of ripened crops and the sun’s northward journey. People have lit bonfires and shared moments of happiness with family and friends.

 

The festival conveys a message of mutual love and unity. People are sitting around bonfires and putting in groundnuts and Rewadis in it after praying for the prosperity of humanity. The atmosphere is filled with traditional folk songs, especially in villages. The songs sung in memory of Dulla Bhatti present a picture of the rich Punjabi folklore.

 

This festival signifies a new beginning for newlyweds and newborns.  Special programmes are also being held at various places in the state to celebrate ‘Dhiyaan di Lohri’. A state-level function to celebrate the birth of daughters has been organised in Patiala. This is a symbol of a positive change in the mentality of society towards daughters. This festival is filled with warmth amidst the bitter cold.