QUESTION
Hi Amanda,
Even though I’ve heard so much about Lohri, I’ve never actually experienced it. Rather than celebrating Lohri in a modern way, I would like to celebrate it in Punjabi style. Could you please tell me how to get it done?
Love,
Josie!
ANSWER
Hi Josie,
As one of the biggest festivals in India, Lohri is celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm and zest. On January 13th, this winter harvest festival marks the beginning of a new year. Decorating homes, exchanging Lohri gifts, munching on sweets, and singing traditional songs are the aesthetics of the festival. I’m glad you’re into it, and I know it will bring you joy.
Stunning Ways to Celebrate Lohri in Punjabi Style:
Make your festivities pompous and fervent:
Punjabi people are known for their joyous nature, which is evident in their celebrations of festivals. Punjabis celebrate Lohri by exchanging gifts, preparing delicious meals, dancing around bonfires, etc. The whole family shares sweets and wishes everyone a happy Lohri.
Get ready for Bhangra and Gidda:
Dance and singing are integral parts of the celebration. As you can see, people come dressed in their brightest clothes to dance the Bhangra and Gidda to the rhythm of Dhol music. Singing Punjabi songs is a part of the celebration, and everyone participates in them.
Set up a Bonfire:
It is a key ritual of the Lohri festival to light a bonfire. By throwing puffed rice and popcorn into the fire in the evening, people pray to the Sun God for a prosperous year. While tapping their feet to traditional Punjabi folk songs, they move in a circle around the bonfire. Families, friends, relatives, and neighbors gather to pray for prosperity.
A delicious meal is waiting for you:
A Punjabi-style party is organized after prayer, where food and laughter are shared. It is primarily a festival for foodies. Food and sweets are integral to every Punjabi festival, especially Lohri. Sarson da saag, Makki di roti, etc., are among the dishes that will be served on this special day, as well as sweets made from peanuts, gurh, and gajak.
Folk poetry comes into play:
Sunder Munderiye is remembered in folk poetry sung during the winter festival of Lohri. So, some say, you get treats by going door-to-door and singing the Lohri Song like Suner Munderiye and a few more verses in praise of Dulla Bhatti because Lohri is a celebration of Dulla Bhatti, who gave his stolen stuff and money to the poor.
Thus, now you know exactly how this festival is traditionally celebrated in Punjab – the Punjabi way. I would like to remind you that sharing the happiness of Lohri with close friends and family is a traditional Punjabi tradition.
Thanks for reading I hope you find the article interesting, please let me know how you celebrated.
Love,
Amanda!
