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. And so, across India, people celebrate the month and the prodigious harvest it brings - Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh and the Sankranti inKarnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The focus of Lohri is on the bonfire. The traditional dinner with makki ki roti (Maize Flour Pitas) and sarson ka saag (Rapini curry) 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 newly wed bride and a new born child is considered very auspicious and important.
The Lohri has one commonality with American festival of Halloween in that there kids go out to collect goodies from neighbors.
This article brought to you by: Paul Cheema, Your Residential Real Estate Specialist.
Paul Cheema* provides Residential Real Estate services in Mississauga and Brampton. Should you have any friend or family member planning to make a move you can contact paul at 647-333-2273 or visit his information filled website www.paulcheema.com.
* Sales Representative, RE/MAX Professionals Inc. Brokerage (independently owned & operated) Tel. 416-232-9000 fax. 416-232-1278
The above article was taken from http://www.festivalsofindia.in/Lohri
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