Sundar mundriye ho! Tera kaun vichara ho! Dhullah Bhatti valla ho! Dhullah di dhee vyayae ho! Ser Shakkar Payi ho! As the holy festival of Lohri arrives, the tales of Dhulla Bhatti fill the air, reminding everyone of the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity it embodies. The festival inspires us to embrace the value of courage, generosity, and a sense of belonging to all.

Lohri is the annual harvest festival observed on January 13. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with excitement and pride in the northern region of India, especially in Punjab.

This festival marks the harvest of rabi crops. A day after the festival is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. During this festival, devotees offer prayers to Agni (the fire) and the sun god for abundant crops in the upcoming harvest season. This festival is celebrated with special feasts including peanuts, popcorn, gajak, rewari, laddoos, and much more.

The festival also marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is a time of the year persuading ones to be grateful to nature for a bountiful harvest.

How is It Celebrated?

Lohri is celebrated by communal gathering around a bonfire, where people offer rewari, peanuts, and sesame seeds to the holy flames as a mark of respect to the sun god and the elements of nature.

The bonfire is the heart of Lohri celebrations. It symbolizes warmth, light, and prosperity. On this day, families and friends come together to sing traditional folk songs and dance to the beats of the dhol, performing Bhangra and Gidda.

Lohri is a treat for the senses!

People enjoy delicious food like Makki di roti and sarson da saag along with sweet treats. The festival is filled with fun, friendship, and happiness, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. It is particularly even more special for newlyweds and newborns, as this fest is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to their lives.

Historic Significance

Besides marking this fest as an end of the winters and onset of longer days, Lohri is associated with the most celebrated legend, Dhulla Bhatti, the Robin Hood of Punjab. He was a heroic figure who rebelled against the Mughal emperor Akbar and helped girls rescue from being sold into slavery. He is remembered for his bravery and justice.

Dulla Bhatti would rob the rich and distribute the wealth among the needy, earning him the love and respect of the local people. His contributions have been immortalized in many folk songs and stories. The famous song Sundar Mundriye recounts his heroic acts. It is sung around the bonfire during Lohri celebrations.

Dulla Bhatti’s story is not just about heroism, it also symbolizes the broader resistance of the Punjabi people against tyranny and injustice. 

Here are some quotes to wish your loved ones:

• May you sing and dance around the bonfire and seek blessings of Lord Sun for a prosperous and happy year ahead. Happy Lohri.
• Wishing you the sweetness of gajjak and rewari. Wishing you the warmth of hearts around you. Have a memorable and blessed Lohri.
• Wishing you the most beautiful time of the year with your family and friends. Wishing you a Lohri full of high spirits and goodness around.
• May the bonfire of Lohri fill into our hearts warmth of love, care, and affection. Warm wishes on Lohri to everyone.
• May the bright and beautiful celebrations of Lohri bless us with goodness and happiness. Wishing a very Happy Lohri to you.
• On the festive occasion, wishing you a day filled with sweet surprises.
• May the Lohri fire burn all the evils in your life and bring you happiness, love, and blessings. Happy Lohri!
• Enjoy this Lohri to the fullest and dont forget to put rewri, moongfali, and popcorn in the Lohri fire. This will definitely bring good luck for you.