Lohri

Introduction
Lohri is mainly celebrated in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Lohri is celebrated with great joy and fervor specially among the farmers fraternity as this festival is associated with the harvesting of the Rabi (winter) crops. The special occasion of Lohri is enjoyed with the traditional folk songs and dances. Lohri is celebrated by the Hindus and Sikhs alike.

When Is Lohri
Generally, Lohri marks the beginning of winter, and is celebrated in month of January (Paush or Magh), usually a day before Makar Sankranti.

Celebrations of Lohri
Lohri is celebrated in various parts of India but in different ways- Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh and the Sankranti in Karnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The main attraction of Lohri festival is the traditional bonfire celebration. In the evening all family members light the up the bonfire and dance on the Lohri folk songs with great enthusiasm. A puja is also held with a prayer to Agni, involving parikrama around the fire for abundant crops and prosperity. Also makki ki roti and sarson ka saag composes the dinner and til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya comprises the prasad.

On Lohri, womenfolk and children get attention. For a bride, the first Lohri is extremely important. Children sing and dance asking for the Lohri prasad.

Significance
For Punjabis, Lohri is more than just a festival, and also an example of a way of life. The essence of Lohri is celebration of fertility and the spark of life. An extremely auspicious day, Lohri marks the sun's entry in to the 'Makar Rashi' (northern hemisphere). The period, beginning from 14 January lasting till 14 July, is known as Uttarayan. It is also the last day of the month of Maargazhi, the ninth month of the lunar calendar.