Producer: Mehak Pal Editor: Aparna Singh
The festival of Lohri falls on January 13 or 14 each year. It is celebrated across Punjab, and parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Delhi with great enthusiasm and fervour.
Here are some interesting facts about the festival that marks the start of summer, longer days, and the harvest season.
Lohri marks the end of the winter season. It is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti.
On Lohri, people gather around the bonfire in the evening, and throw puffed rice, popcorn, peanuts and dry fruits into the fire. People also sing folk songs and dance to the beats of the ‘dhol’.
Lohri is also known as the day that marks the winter solstice. Each year, on this day the sun leans towards the Tropic of Cancer.
Til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) are an essential part of the festival.
Kite flying as an activity on Lohri is a popular custom in Punjab.
‘Gajak’, ‘sarso da saag’, and ‘makke di roti’ are some of the signature preparations made during the festival of Lohri.
Lohri is known to be celebrated as a festival in honour of ‘Dulla Bhatti’ who was known to be the Robin Hood of the Punjab Province.