Lohri and Maghi are popular winter folk festivals celebrated mainly in the Indian subcontinent. The significance and legends of the legends of the festival are numerous and connect the festival to the Punjab region. Many believe that the festival marks the passing of the winter solstice. This day marks the end of winter and is a traditional welcome of longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere by Hindus and Sikhs in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent. It is observed on the night before Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi, and according to the solar portion of the lunisolar Vikrami calendar and generally falls on approximately the same date each year (January 13).
Lohri and Maghi, the end of winter
The ancient significance of the festival is that it is a celebration of the winter harvest season and is associated with the Punjab region.
A popular folklore links this festival to the tale of Dulla Bhatti. The central theme of many songs is the legend of Dulla Bhatti who lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was considered a hero in Punjab, for saving Hindu girls from being forcibly taken to be sold in the Middle Eastern slave market. Among those he saved were two girls Sundri and Mundri, who gradually became a theme in Punjabi folklore.
As part of the celebrations, children go around the houses singing traditional Lohri folk songs. Once the song is over, the adult of the household is expected to give snacks and money to the youth singing troupe. Lohri also marks the beginning of the harvest season and sunny days.
The festival is celebrated by lighting bonfires, eating festive food, dancing and collecting gifts. In homes that have recently had a marriage or childbirth, the celebrations will reach a higher level of excitement. Most North Indians usually organize private celebrations, in their homes. Lohri rituals are performed, accompanied by special songs.
Singing and dancing are an integral part of the celebrations. People wear their brightest clothes and come out to dance bhangra and gidda to the beat of dhol. Punjabi songs are sung and everyone rejoices. Sarson da saag and makki di roti are usually served as the main course during a dinner. It is a grand occasion and holds great significance for farmers. However, people residing in urban areas also celebrate Lohri as it provides an opportunity to interact with family and friends.
For Sikhs, it is a communal gathering to commemorate the martyrdom of forty Sikhs (Chalis Mukte) who had once deserted the tenth and last human Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib, but later joined the Guru and died fighting the army of the Mughal Empire led by Wazir Khan in 1705. Sikhs make a pilgrimage to the site of the war and bathe in the sacred water tanks of Muktsar.
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Today and tomorrow, Indians celebrate Lohri and Maghi. The children go around the houses singing in order to receive candy or money from the household. Lohri marks the return of spring. #mythology #myth #legend #January 13 #January 14 #calendar #lohri #maghi
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