Lohri: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}

| holiday_name = Lohri

| observedby   = People of [[North India]]: Punjab, Jammu, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh by Punjabis, Dogras, Haryanvis, and Himachalis

| type         = seasonal

| longtype     = Religious, cultural

| image         = Lohri bonfire.png

| caption       = Lohri Bonfire

| nickname     = [[Lal Loi]]

| celebrations = Bonfire, song (Bhangra and Gidda)

| significance = Midwinter festival, celebration of winter solstice

| relatedto     = [[Dulla Bhatti]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=On Lohri, remembering Dulla Bhatti, the landlord who stood up to the mighty Akbar|url=https://scroll.in/article/864736/why-dulla-bhatti-the-landlord-who-stood-up-to-the-mighty-akbar-is-still-remembered-on-lohri|access-date=2022-01-16}}</ref>

| month         = [[Paush]]

| firsttime     =  

| frequency     = Once in a year

| duration     =  

| scheduling   =  

| official_name =  

| weekday       =  

| date         =  

| ends         =  

| begins       =  

| litcolor     =  

| alt           =  

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}}

'''''Lohri''''' ({{lang-pa|ਲੋਹੜੀ}}) is a popular winter Punjabi<ref>[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=YY0dAQAAIAAJ&q=lohri+punjabi&dq=lohri+punjabi&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0qdrEmrf1AhXRPsAKHU5kCU44UBDoAXoECAIQAg Cambridge Anthropology, Volume 25, Issue 3(2006)]</ref> folk festival celebrated primarily in [[Northern India]].{{refn|group=note| Quote: "Lohri is the winter festival of Punjab, and is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs."<ref>name="WarrierWalshe2001">{{cite book|author1=S. Warrier|author2=John G. Walshe|title=Dates and Meanings of Religious and Other Multi-Ethnic Festivals, 2002-2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R6VQ_YRIPl0C|year=2001|publisher=Foulsham |isbn=978-0-572-02659-2|page=112}}, Quote: ."Lohri is the winter festival of Punjab and is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs."</ref>}} The significance and legends about the Lohri festival are many and these link the festival to the [[Punjab region]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jeratha|first=Aśoka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ToONShWeEB0C&q=lohri+Dogra&pg=PA53|title=Dogra Legends of Art & Culture|date=1998|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-082-8|language=en}}</ref> It is believed by many that the festival marks the passing of the [[winter solstice]]. Lohri 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 the night before [[Maghi]], also known as [[Makar Sankranti]], and according to the solar part of the lunisolar [[Vikrami calendar]] and typically falls about the same date every year (13 January).

Lohri is an official holiday in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref>[http://punjab.gov.in/list-of-holidays Punjab Government List of holidays 2019]</ref> the [[Jammu region]] of Jammu and Kashmir<ref>[https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s3979d472a84804b9f647bc185a877a8b5/uploads/2020/12/2020120568.pdf Jammu holidays]</ref> and [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://himachal.nic.in/en-IN/holidays-2016.html |title=HP Government - Holidays - Government of Himachal Pradesh, India |publisher=Himachal.nic.in |date= |accessdate=2022-05-08}}</ref> The festival is celebrated in [[Delhi]] and [[Haryana]] but is not a gazetted holiday.{{refn|group=note|According to Saini (1968), "the advent of the displaced persons, from the West Punjab have introduced "Lohri" and "Baisakhi" etc. here""<ref>[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/_/XPgRAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=lohri+haryana&bsq=lohri Saini, P. (1968). Discovery of Haryana. India: Hira Parkashan]</ref>}} In all these areas, the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Muslims.<ref>Chauhan, Ramesh K.  (1995) Punjab and the nationality question in India. Deep and Deep Publications [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=X2RuAAAAMAAJ&dq=hindu+muslim+sikh+christian+lohri&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=lohri]</ref> In [[Punjab, Pakistan]] it is not observed at official level, however Hindus and Sikhs and some Muslims observe the festival in rural Punjab and in the cities Faisalabad and Lahore.<ref>{{cite web|last=AsiaNews.it|title=Punjab celebrates the|url=http://asianews.it/news-en/Punjab-celebrates-the-Lohri:-From-culture,-an-invitation-to-a-springtime-of-peace-and-unity-26972.html|access-date=13 January 2021|website=asianews.it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Dilagīra|first=Harajindara Siṅgha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mRpuAAAAMAAJ&q=Lohri+%EF%BF%BC|title=The Sikh Reference Book|date=1997|publisher=Sikh Educational Trust for Sikh University Centre, Denmark|isbn=978-0-9695964-2-4|language=en}}</ref><ref>[https://m.timesofindia.com/city/chandigarh/lohri-in-lahore-after-70-years/amp_articleshow/80275349.cms Times of India 15 January 2021]</ref><ref>[https://publuu.com/flip-book/4712/9000/page/24 Origins - Magazine of India - Jan 2021]</ref> Muhammad Tariq, former director of [[Faisalabad Arts Council]], believes it is important to keep the festival alive as Lohri is celebrated in [[Punjab, Pakistan|Pakistan Punjab]] and in [[Punjab, India|Indian Punjab]].<ref>[https://www.independenturdu.com/node/90726 Naeem Ahmed 16.01.22 The Independent Urdu ed]</ref>

==History & origins==

[[File:Lohri.jpg|thumb|right|Lohri Bonfire]]

Historical references to Lohri are mentioned by European visitors to the Lahore darbar of Maharaja Ranjit Singh such as Wade who visited the Maharaja in 1832.<ref>Ahuja, R. L. (1983). Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a Man of Destiny. India: Punjabi Writers Coop. Society.[https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Maharaja_Ranjit_Singh_a_Man_of_Destiny/0IMeAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=lohri+ranjit+singh+captain&dq=lohri+ranjit+singh+captain&printsec=frontcover]</ref> Further reference is made by Captain Mackeson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh distributing suits of clothes and large sums of money as rewards on Lohri day in 1836.<ref>Suri, S. L. (1961). pts.1-5.Chronicle of the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, 1831-1839 A.D. India: S. Chand.[https://books.google.co.uk/books?newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&redir_esc=y&id=Se0CAAAAMAAJ&dq=nterview+of+Mackeson+Sahib+%3B+distribution+of+suits+ut+clothes+on+the+Lohri+day+%3B+appointment+of+reliable+persons+to+receive+the+newly+-+arrived+Sahibs+%3B+presentation+of+Raja+Sochet+Singh+and+Ventura+Sahib+%3B+alms+and+charities+of+the+Maghi+day&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=suits]</ref> The celebration of Lohri with the making of a huge bonfire at night is also noted in the royal court in 1844.<ref>Suri, S. L. (1961). pts.1-3.Chronicles of reigns of Maharaja Kharak Singh, Kanwar Nau Nihal Singh, Maharaja Sher Singh and Maharaja Dalip Singh, 1839-1845 A.D. India: S. Chand.</ref>

The accounts of Lohri celebration in royal circles do not discuss the origins of the festival. However, there is much folklore about Lohri. Lohri is the celebration of the arrival of longer days after the [[winter solstice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98jul19/science.htm|title=The Tribune...Science Tribune|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/gyan-zone/festival-binge/28107.html The Tribune Festival binge: Amarjot Kaur 10 January 2015]</ref><ref>Celebrating with the Robin Hood of the Punjab and all his friends!  Nottingham Post 13 January 2014  [http://www.nottinghampost.com/Celebrating-Robin-Hood-Punjab-friends/story-20434739-detail/story.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216093127/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Celebrating-Robin-Hood-Punjab-friends/story-20434739-detail/story.html |date=16 December 2014 }}</ref> According to folklore, in ancient times Lohri was celebrated at the end of the traditional month when [[winter solstice]] occurs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/what-a-wonderful-world/article4282523.ece|title=What a wonderful world|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 January 2013|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141217103927/http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/bless-the-girl/article1-988618.aspx Hindustan Times 12 01 2013]</ref> It celebrates the days getting longer as the sun proceeds on its northward journey. The day after Lohri is celebrated as [[Maghi]] [[Sankranti|Sangrand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Punjabi-pockets-warm-up-for-Lohri-bonfires/articleshow/45839012.cms|title=Punjabi pockets warm up for Lohri bonfires - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref>

The ancient significance of the festival is it being a winter crop season celebration<ref>[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=HO4n549SLIgC&dq=lohri+winter+crop+celebration&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=lohri+ Harvest Celebrations, Volume 4, (2002) World Book]</ref> and is linked to the Punjab region.<ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/what-is-lohri-why-is-lohri-celebrated-sunder-mundriye-dulla-bhatti-punjabi-folklore-rabi-crop/1/569416.html What is Lohri? Why is it celebrated?], Somya Abrol, India Today, (13 January 2017)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040124/asp/opinion/story_2816036.asp |title= The Telegraph - Calcutta : Opinion|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref><ref>R. C. Dogra, Gobind Singh Mansukhani (1995)Encyclopaedia of Sikh Religion and Culture [https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Encyclopaedia_of_Sikh_Religion_and_Cultu/WRZBm5JncfkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Panjab+lohri&dq=Panjab+lohri&printsec=frontcover]</ref> A popular folklore links Lohri to the tale of Dulla Bhatti . The central theme of many Lohri songs is the legend of Dulla Bhatti whose father was a zamidar who lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.<ref name="PuriNesbitt2013p34" /> He was regarded as a hero in Punjab, for rescuing Punjabi girls from being forcibly taken to be sold in slave market of the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.lohrifestival.org| title = The origins of lohri |publisher= Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India }}</ref><ref name="PuriNesbitt2013p34" /> Amongst those he saved were two girls Sundri & Mundri, who gradually became a theme of [[Punjab]]'s folklore. As a part of Lohri celebrations, children go around homes singing the traditional folk songs of Lohri with "Dulla Bhatti" name included. One person sings, while others end each line with a loud "Ho!" sung in unison. After the song ends, the adult of the home is expected to give snacks and money to the singing troupe of youngsters.<ref name="PuriNesbitt2013p34">{{cite book|author1=Kailash Puri|author2=Eleanor Nesbitt|title=Pool of Life: The Autobiography of a Punjabi Agony Aunt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L_NWAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA34|year=2013|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-78284-067-1|pages=34–35}}</ref> Lohri also marks the beginning of the harvest season and sunny days.<ref>{{cite web|title=What is the significance of Lohri and why we burn fire on Lohri?|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/faqs/what-is-the-significance-of-lohri-and-why-we-burn-fire-on-lohri/articleshow/73189207.cms|access-date=16 December 2021|website=Business Insider}}</ref>

The festival is celebrated by lighting bonfires, eating festive food, dancing and collecting gifts. In houses that have recently had a marriage or childbirth, Lohri celebrations will reach a higher pitch of excitement. Most North Indians usually have private Lohri celebrations, in their houses. Lohri rituals are performed, with the accompaniment of special Lohri songs.<ref>{{cite web|date=2022-01-13|title=Happy Lohri 2022: Date, Origin and Significance of the Harvest Festival|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/happy-lohri-2022-date-origin-and-significance-of-the-harvest-festival-2455885.html|access-date=2022-01-13|website=News18|language=en}}</ref>

Singing and dancing form an intrinsic part of the celebrations. People wear their brightest clothes and come to dance the [[Bhangra (dance)|bhangra]] and [[gidda]] to the beat of the [[dhol]]. Punjabi songs are sung, and everybody rejoices. Sarson da saag and makki di roti is usually served as the main course at a Lohri dinner. Lohri is a great occasion that holds great importance for farmers. However, people residing in urban areas also celebrate Lohri, as this festival provides the opportunity to interact with family and friends.<ref>{{cite web|title=Happy Lohri 2022: Significance, Delicacies And Wishes For The Festival|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/happy-lohri-2022-significance-delicacies-and-wishes-for-the-festival-7931291.html|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Moneycontrol|language=en}}</ref>

Lohri is celebrated with a bonfire. The lighting of bonfire during this winter festival is an ancient tradition. Ancient people lit the bonfire to reignite the return of longer days. This is a very ancient tradition.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cooks.ndtv.com/article/show/lohri-special-why-food-is-fed-to-the-fire-470357 |title=NDTV 06 12 14 |access-date=12 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116050735/http://cooks.ndtv.com/article/show/lohri-special-why-food-is-fed-to-the-fire-470357 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cooks.ndtv.com/article/show/an-indian-thanksgiving-316129|title=An Indian Thanks Giving - NDTV Food|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref>

Lohri in [[Jammu division|Jammu]] is special because of various additional traditions associated with it like ''Chajja'' making and dancing, ''Hiran Dance'', preparing Lohri garlands. Young children prepare a replica of peacock which is known as ''Chajja.'' They carry this ''Chajja'' and then go from one house to other house celebrating Lohri. In and around Jammu, special ''Hiran Dance'' is performed. Selected houses which have auspicious ceremonies prepare eatables. Children wear special garlands made of groundnuts, dry fruits and candies on Lohri day.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jeratha|first=Aśoka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ToONShWeEB0C&q=Lohri+Dogras&pg=PA53|title=Dogra Legends of Art & Culture|date=1998|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-082-8|language=en}}</ref>{{refn|group=note| According to the Jammu Kashmir Government Portal: "Punjabi festivals such as Lohri and Vaisakhi are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout the region, along with Accession Day, an annual holiday which commemorates the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to the Dominion of India"<ref>[https://www.jk.gov.in/jammukashmir/?q=culture Jammu Kashmir Government Portal]</ref>}}

During the day, children go from door to door singing songs and are given sweets and savories, and occasionally, money. Turning them back empty-handed is regarded inauspicious. Where families are welcoming newly-weds and new borns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/Lohri-brightened-by-festive-spirit/articleshow/45878319.cms|title=Lohri brightened by festive spirit - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref> the requests for treats increases.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

The bonfire is lit at sunset in the main village square. People toss sesame seeds, gur, sugar-candy and ''rewaries'' on the bonfire, sit around it, sing and dance till the fire dies out. Some people perform a prayer and go around the fire. This is to show respect to the natural element of fire,<ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/47133/bringing-home-sun-god.html FirozBakht Ahmed Deccan Herald 18 January 2010]</ref> a tradition common in [[winter solstice]] celebrations. It is traditional to offer guests til, gachchak, gur, moongphali (peanuts) and phuliya or popcorn. Milk and water are also poured around the bonfire by [[Hindus]] to thank the Sun God and seeking his continued protection.

Sunder mundriye ho!<br />

Tera kaun vicharaa ho!<br />

Dullah Bhatti walla ho!<br />

Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!<br />

Ser shakkar payee ho!<br />

Kudi da laal pathaka ho!<br />

Kudi da saalu paata ho!<br />

Salu kaun samete!<br />

Chacha gali dese!<br />

Chache choori kutti! zamidara lutti!<br />

Zamindaar sudhaye!<br />

Bum Bum bhole aaye!<br />

Ek bhola reh gaya!<br />

Sipahee far ke lai gaya!<br />

Sipahee ne mari itt!<br />

Paanvey ro te paanvey pitt!<br />

Sanoo de de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!<br />

(Laugh, cry or howl!)<br />

Beautiful girl<br />

Who will think about you<br />

Dulla of the Bhatti clan will<br />

Dulla's daughter got married<br />

He gave one [[Ser (unit)|ser]] of sugar!<br />

The girl is wearing a red suit!<br />

But her shawl is torn!<br />

Who will stitch her shawl?!<br />

The uncle made choori!<br />

The landlords looted it!<br />

Landlords are beaten up!<br />

Lots of simple-headed boys came!<br />

One simpleton got left behind!<br />

The soldier arrested him!<br />

The soldier hit him with a brick!<br />

(Cry or howl)!<br />

Give us Lohri, long live your pair (to a married couple)!<br />

Whether you cry, or bang your head later! <br />

Deyo sanu lohri.<ref>{{cite web|title=Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://www.jammutales.com/2020/07/festivals-of-jammu-and-Kashmir.html|access-date=2020-08-16|website=JAMMU TALES}}</ref></blockquote>

The festival of [[Hogmanay]] is celebrated on New Year's Day. The fire festival of Stonehaven in [[Scotland]] is the direct descendant of lighting winter solstice bonfires.<ref name="The History of Hogmanay">{{cite web|url=http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-History-of-Hogmanay/|title=The History of Hogmanay|access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref> Another event is observed every 11 January when the flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried round in Burghead and is wedged on the Doorie Hill. When it is burnt out, people take the smouldering embers to bring good luck for the coming year.<ref>https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=UViEbWQOSd0C&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=Clavie+at+Burghead+winter+solstice&source=bl&ots=kgSsriEtSD&sig=yNrnt2YaiRzVGxxWyjOvhWu-DyU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5Ou4VKqaDIzV7Qbwq4DYBw&ved=0CEoQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=Clavie%20at%20Burghead%20winter%20solstice&f=false the Magic Arts in Celtic Britain Lewis Spence</ref>

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