LOHARI FESTIVITIES

Rooted in agricultural practices,Lohari is in North what Pongal is in South and Behu in East. The word ‘lohari’ is a blend of ‘lo’ (be prepared to receive) and ‘hari’ (crop of wheat sown around the month of ‘harh’. The harvesting begins after a couple of months. Looking at the luxuriant lush green crop, heart of the farmer throbs with excitement and his body sways in ecstasy. Men hop in vigorous bhanga and ladies swirl to melodious gidda tune. Preparations for the event begin several days ahead. Children go around and collect cash and other contributions singing popular songs. People bring together cash, firewood and five elements of prasad- til, gur, moongphali, raori and gajak. This prasad is offered to the bonfire and distributed amongst all- irrespective of their social status or religious affiliation. This merriment is followed by partaking of maki-ki-roti with sarson-k-sag, polished with kheer of jaggery. Legend tells us about a Dulla Bhati. He was a devotee of Guru Nanak and opposed any form of aggression. Chiefly, he attacked foreign invaders going back home with loot and girls to be sold as slaves. He redistributed the booty and sent back the girls to their homes or arranged their marriages as his daughters. Many songs are common in Punjabi folklore and are sung on this day to honour his bravado like Dulla Bhati wala, ho or Dulle dhi vihai. Another narrative tells us that Lohari was a sister of Holika who was consumed by fire on Holi day. In remembrance of his sister, she forsook her food and lived only on til and reori. To venerate her love for the sister, the festival is named after her and people consume til and reoris on this Lohari day. Scientists affirm that from this day beyond the Sun begins its journey in the Northern hemisphere and the earth begins to move towards Sun,. This shift is called Utterain in Hindu calendar. Consequently, days begin to lengthen: (the solstice really begins from 22 December but in India it is celebrated on the following new month ie. sangrand. To rejoice the change in weather, public bathe en mass at river banks, sarovers or other open places. This year around 50 million people are expected to have holy dip at Hardwar. Finally, Lohari is a day of thanksgiving to God for blessing us with bountiful crop and of sharing this gift with all. My prayers for celebrating Lohari with usual Punjabi vigour.

Parbinder Singh Chandhok,

Sikh Brotherhood international

9 Palm Spring,

S Manorath Singh Chandhok Chowk,

Juhu,

Mumbai- 400049

India

+91-9870098702

psjs91@gmail.com