Happy Lohri 2013

Today is day of double celebration one is very popular festival i.e.
Lohri and second is my Birthday so I glad to share happiness with all of you….

Lohri marks the
culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in
the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For
Punjabis, more than just a festival, Lohri is also an example of a way of
life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather
around the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames,
sing popular songs and exchange greetings. On this day
children go from door to door to collect funds for community bonfires which are
lit up in the evening. The gatherings and celebrations make Lohri a
community festival.

An extremely auspicious day, Lohri marks the sun’s entry in to the
‘Makar Rashi’ (northern hemisphere). The period, beginning from 14 January
lasting till 14 July, is known as Uttarayan. It is also the last day of the month of
Maargazhi, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The Bhagawad
Gita deems it an extremely sacred and auspicious time, when Lord Krishna
manifests himself most tangibly.

The focus of
Lohri is on the bonfire. The traditional dinner with makki ki roti
and sarson ka saag is quintessential. The prasad comprises of six main things:
til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn. There is puja, involving
parikrama around the fire and distribution of prasad. This symbolises a prayer
to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity.The first Lohri
of a newlywed bride and a new born child is considered very
auspicious and important. (Source: Google)

Lohri Song (Source:
Wikipedia)

Lohri’s Video