lohri-significance
Lohri Significance
Significance
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of
January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For
Punjabis, this is more than just a festival; it is also an example of a way of
life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the
bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular
songs and exchange greetings. An extremely auspicious day, Lohri marks the sun's
entry into 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. The
Bhagawad Gita deems it an extremely sacred and auspicious time, when Lord
Krishna manifests himself most tangibly. The Hindus 'nullify' their sins by
bathing in the Ganges. And so, across India, people celebrate the month and the
prodigious harvest it brings - Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in
Andhra Pradesh and the Sankranti in Karnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
gallery Lohri-and-harvest Lohri-and-new-year lohri-celebrations Lohri-Date lohri-family-celebrations lohri-festival lohri-for-everyone lohri-kids-celebrations lohri-mela Lohri-messages lohri-newly-wedded-couples lohri-origin lohri-significance lohri-songs lohri-thingstodo Why-Punjabis-are-jolly