Lohri, a festival deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of North India, has a rich history with documented mentions by European visitors to the Lahore Darbar of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. Accounts from 1832 and 1836 describe the Maharaja’s grand gestures of distributing rewards and celebrating Lohri with bonfires.
Folklore and Winter Solstice:
While the royal accounts focus on the celebrations without delving into origins, folklore weaves a narrative connecting Lohri to the winter solstice. Traditionally celebrated at the end of the month coinciding with the winter solstice, Lohri rejoices in the lengthening days as the sun embarks on its northward journey, culminating in the celebration of Makar Sankranti the following day.
A Festival in the Himalayan Shadows:
Originating in the regions near the Himalayan mountains, where winters are harsher, Lohri is an ancient mid-winter festival. Hindus and Sikhs, marking the end of the Rabi season cropping work, engage in festivities that include lighting bonfires, socializing, and singing and dancing together.
Dulla Bhatti’s Heroic Tale:
The festival is intricately linked to the Punjab region, with folklore connecting it to the heroic tale of Dulla Bhatti, a revered figure for rescuing Punjabi girls from the slave markets of the Middle East during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Lohri songs often feature the legend of Dulla Bhatti, and children, as part of celebrations, go around singing traditional folk songs, expecting snacks and money in return.
Harvest Beginnings and Sunny Days:
Beyond its historical and folkloric connections, Lohri also marks the commencement of the harvest season and the arrival of sunny days. The celebration, while rooted in ancient traditions, continues to be a vibrant part of North Indian culture, bringing communities together to usher in warmth, light, and the promise of prosperity.
