Lohri 2023: Why This Auspicious Day Is Important?
Lohri is a harvest festival that marks the ending of winters. It celebrates the harvesting of the Rabi crop in Punjab. In other parts of India, it is known as Makar Sankranti. Igniting a bonfire at night is the core ritual of the Lohri celebration. In fact, some people also organise a signing ceremony or dance competition nearby their house. Lohri is an auspicious occasion for newly-married couples to participate in festive rituals and seek blessings from their elders. Generally, Lohri falls on the 13th day of January. On this occasion, people irrespective of their age and gender, participate in folk songs.
Lohri 2023: Date and Time
Legend About Lohri
Significance Of Lohri
The Proceedings Of The Day
Some Other Facts About Lohri
It's a Hindu solstice festival
Lohri is a winter solstice festival of India. It is Indian euivalent of Christmas or Yuletide. However, it comes later due to seasonal differences in the place of origin.
The longest night of the year
Have you ever wondered that why all the rituals and festivities takes place after the sunset. The truth is that Lohri has a longest day and shortest day. However, after Lohri days will be longer.
The reason behind its name
There are many origins of the name Lohri. One popular belief is that Lohri is named after the Goddess Lohri, the sister of Holika. If we move away from the traditional outlook, it is the combination of name til (sessame) and rorhi (jaggery) which is majorly consumed in this festival. It also has its origin the word “Loh” which means light and comfort of fire.
Starting of the financial year
Lohri marks the beginning of new finacial year. Traditionally, the revenue of the winter crops are collected on the Lohri. It is still an important custom in the Sikh community.