Lohri is celebrated today (Thursday 13 January) around the world to signify the end of winter and is one of the most joyful events on the Punjabi calendar.
Lohri is a festival that is of great importance to farmers as it marks the beginning of longer and sunny days that allows crops to grow.
The festival is also celebrated in urban areas as it offers an opportunity to see friends and family.
The festival is celebrated by lighting bonfires in the main village square, eating festive food and dances.
Gifts such as sweets will be exchanged during Lohri and prayers for a good crop yield will be sung.
Lohri is also celebrated for a new bride or a newborn baby this represents a grand occasion and brings joyous to the families. The first lohri as a bride or newborn is celebrated with all family members, relatives, and friends on a wider scale.
A traditional food consumed during Lohri is sugarcane which grows in many Indian fields, as well as radish and mustard greens, both of which are cultivated mainly in the winter months.
One of the main dishes traditionally cooked on lohri is Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti (a spinach dish with Punjabi flatbread) and Kheer (Rice Pudding).
HAPPY LOHRI!
