Lohri festival

Lohri festival 2024, Lohri Calendar, Lohri Date 2024, Lohri celebrations Punjab, Rajasthan is celebrated on January 13 every year. Date of the festival depends on solar calendar hence it remains the same always. Lohri date is auspicious and significant for Hindus. On January 13 every year sun begins its Uttarayan journey (northward journey) and takes entry in to Makar Rashi or Tropic of Capricorn. The period of Uttarayan (January 14 to July 14) is considered propitious by Hindus. According to Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna manifests himself in his full magnificence during this time.
Lohri is a popular winter time Punjabi folk festival, celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus from the Punjab region of Indian subcontinent. The significance and legends about the Lohri festival are many and these link the festival to the Punjab region. Many people believe the festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice. Lohri marks the end of winter season, and is a traditional welcome of longer days and sun's journey to the northern hemisphere by Sikhs and Hindus in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is observed the night before Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi, and according to the solar part of the lunisolar Bikrami calendar and typically falls about the same date every year (January 13). Lohri is an official gazetted holiday in the state of Punjab (India), where the festival is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus but it is not a holiday in Punjab (Pakistan). It is, however, observed by Sikhs and some Punjabi Muslims and Christians in Pakistan as well.

Lohri Celebrations
The state of Punjab is famous for its rich food and vibrant colored clothing that people wear, but during this festival of Lohri, the colors are even more highlighted and enhanced and bring up an environment of positive vibes and enthusiastic attitude. It is not just a festival for farmers living in the rural land but is also an opportunity for the native people of Punjab living in cities to interact with their family and friends.

A huge bon fire is made into which til (sesame seeds), gudh (jaggery) and nuts are thrown. Traditional dance forms like gidda and bhangra are done around the bon fire with dhol and nagadas beating in the background. People wear their traditional attires usually made out of silk. While dancing, the ladies also sing folklores which are usually about the God of sun. Kids go door to door singing in groups, and when they are done, the families offer them home made sweets and gifts, it is believed to be bad luck if the families deny them these commodities which symbolizes good luck.