Lohri 2023 Date: History, Rituals, and Significance of Punjab's Harvest Festival
Lohri 2023 falls on Saturday, 14 January 2023 - Know the history, significance, and rituals of the harvest festival.
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Lohri 2023: The festival of Lohri is celebrated annually all over north India. It marks the beginning of the longer days and the end of the winter solstice. Lohri is celebrated in the month of Paush, a day before Makar Sankranti.
According to Drik Panchang, this year, Lohri will be celebrated on Saturday, 14 January 2023, and Makar Sankranti on Sunday, 15 January 2023. Lohri is also recognised as Punjab's harvest festival, and that is why the people of Punjab enjoy the festival with great enthusiasm and grandeur.
Let us read about the history, significance, and rituals of Lohri 2023 below.
History and Significance of Lohri
The history of celebrating Lohri is associated with the story of Dulha Bhatti and two Punjabi girls, Sundari-Mundari. According to historians, Dulha Bhatti rescued Sundari-Mundari from the Mughals and got them married to their suitors on Lohri and that is why people sing the famous folk song "Sundar Mundariye Ho, Tera Kaun Vichara ho, Dulha Bhatti Wala Ho." on Lohri.
Dulha Bhatti is known as a legendary hero in Punjab because he rebelled against the tyranny of Mughal emperors. He used to rob rich people and utilise the money for helping the poor and underprivileged
The significance of the Lohri celebration is to pay tribute and homage to the brave warrior Dulha Bhatti who stood like a rock against the emperors.
Rituals of Lohri: Punjab's Harvest Festival
Lohri is celebrated during the harvest of the Rabi crop in north India. The word Lohri originates from the word 'loh' which means 'tawa', a kitchen utensil that is used for making rotis and chapatis.
A 'Lohri Thaal' is decorated by people and it is filled with puffed rice, popcorns, revdi, gajak, and other delicacies that are usually prepared in sesame seeds.
People sing folk songs and perform several dance forms like bhangra, gidda, and chajja. Popular Punjab delicacies, makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, is relished by Punjabis along with moongfali, tilkut, puffed rice, and gajak by the bonfire.
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