Lohri is celebrated by Punjabis to mark the end of the Month of Paush(Sagitarrius) and the entrance of the Sun into Maagh (Capricorn). The region of Punjab, in NW India is the breadbasket where wheat is the main winter crop . Wheat that is sown in October is usually ready for harvest in March or April. In January, the fields are at their midpoint of growth, making the farmers hopeful with its promise of a golden harvest. This is a period of rest for the farmers before the harvest.
At this time, according to the Hindu calendar, the earth, farthest from the sun, begins its journey towards the sun, thus ending the coldest month of the year, Paush, and announcing the start of the month of Magh. Hindus call this period of time for the next six months as Uttarayan or Northward Journey, and according to the Hindu Time cycle this is the Day of the Gods(One year for Man is One Complete cycle of a day and night for the Gods).
On this day, we light a bonfire outside our homes and celebrate by making offerings of puffed rice, popcorn, peanuts, sesame and jaggery to Agni, the Lord of the Fire asking him to Cleanse and Bless the Land with Prosperity, to bring in Honour and prosperity while wiping out poverty. The Prasad(the same offerings) are also exchanged between friends and family. The special meal for the day is usually Makki-di-roti (corn or millet flat bread) and Sarso-da-saag(Mustard Leaves cooked with spices and herbs).
Tomorrow People from other parts of India celebrate the festival with different names and rituals but the significance is the same. In the South its called as Makara Sankranthi or Pongal.
To all the Indians and Thai(its called Songkran there) a Very Happy Lohri ! And a Very Happy Sankranthi!
Peace.
8 comments:
A Very Happy Lohri and Sankranthi to you!
rashmi, happy makar sankranth to you!
in maharashtra, we exchange sesame-seed and jaggery laddoos and say - tilgul ghya, god god bola (accept these sweets, and speak sweetly). it's one of my favourite festivals coz it's a time to make up and renew friendships.
i have been thinking of calling u for so many days now but i just never got a chance :(
let's talk soon!
Back atcha', Rashmi. Hope this year is productive and magical for you.
Thank you Rashmi for sharing..Happy Pongal to you and yours there.
Happy Lohri and Happy Sankranthi!
Thank you for posting this!
That was a good post Rashmi.. I love to learn about different traditions, and like this idea of celebrations!! would love to see that!!! Thank you!!!
Peace.
This is a very interesting time for you it would be something to see these bonfires of celebration.
May you have a very pleasing and joyous Lohri and Sankranthi...As your traditions go back thousands of years. Peace Rashmi to you and those that you share this time with.
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