The Joyful Lohri Festival: When, why and how Lohri festival is celebrated

Lohri is celebrated to express gratitude to express gratitude for a successful harvest, particularly the rabi crops like sugarcane, mustard, and wheat. Additionally, some people associate Lohri with the commencement of a new financial year, symbolising prosperity and auspicious beginnings. Lohri festival begins with a bonfire lighting up, which symbolises the arrival of warmer days and the end of winter. People offer items, including peanuts, sesame seeds, popcorn, and jaggery, to the fire by reciting prayers and singing songs. These offerings are later distributed as Prasad among all the attendees for their good luck.

People dance, sing and narrate their stories of courage and tales. There are some traditional Lohri dishes, including Makki Di Roti, Gajak, Rewaris, and Sarson Da Saag, people collect sweets and popcorn from everyone.

The date of Lohri varies over time, with a shift occurring approximately every 70 years. In the late 19th century, Lohri fell on January 11th. In the mid-20th century, celebrations occurred on 12th or 13th January. This fluidity in the festival’s date showcases its dynamic nature and the fascinating way it aligns with the celestial calendar.

Celebrating Lohri in an apartment society can be a delightful community event. Here are some ideas

Organise a Bonfire: Coordinate a safe and controlled bonfire in a designated area within the society. Encourage residents to gather around, share stories, and enjoy the warmth.
Traditional Music and Dance: Arrange for traditional Punjabi music and dance performances like bhangra and gidda. You can even organise a small cultural program involving residents.
Potluck Feast: Request residents to contribute traditional Lohri foods like sesame seeds, jaggery, popcorn, and rewari. A potluck feast fosters a sense of community and sharing.
Decorate Common Areas: Enhance the festive atmosphere by decorating common spaces with lights, rangoli, and Lohri-themed decorations. This adds a visual appeal to the celebration.
Cultural Dress Code: Encourage residents to dress in traditional Punjabi attire. This adds a colorful and festive touch to the celebration.
Lohri Pooja: If feasible, organise a small Lohri pooja to mark the spiritual significance of the festival. Seek the participation of interested residents.
Children's Activities: Plan activities for kids, like storytelling sessions, games, or even a mini talent show. This makes the celebration inclusive for all age groups.
Lohri Hampers or Tokens: Consider distributing small Lohri hampers or tokens to residents, symbolising the spirit of the festival and community unity.
Cultural Performances: Showcase diverse cultural performances related to winter traditions from various regions. It adds a touch of diversity and inclusivity to the carnival.
Outdoor Movie Night: Screen a winter-themed movie outdoors. Residents can bring blankets and enjoy a movie night under the stars.

MyUtsav executes Lohri events at the apartment society level, offering a range of activities, including food stalls, entertainment zones, and warm clothing stalls to create joyful moments for all. Visit few Myutsav Lohri Events

Mega Lohri Celebration Lights Up Grand Ajnara Heritage
Lohri Celebration: A Vibrant Evening at Grand Ajnara Heritage