The songs sung by children praise the Indian version of Robin Hood who stole money from the rich and gave it to the deserving poor people.
At night a bonfire is lit and everybody gathers around the bonfire and worship fire. It is said that the person who finds the radish in the fire is considered extremely lucky.
Ground nuts and popcorn are distributed amongst the people gathered. Different types of snacks are prepared and during the bonfire are distributed among everybody and a little is given away in the fire as if given to the fire God to eat.
In Delhi families meet and a ‘dhol wala’ meaning the person who plays the drum is called and everybody dance to the lovely beats of the drum. The famous dance forms performed during this time are bhangra, gidda and many more. The transition of Earth which is farthest at this point of time towards the sun is the reason for the celebration of this festival.
Lohri is known by many other names in different parts of the country but is celebrated in the same manner with some changes here and there. In Bengal people take bath where the river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that taking bath in this pious water washes away all our sins and makes us pure.
Even if the ways of celebrating are different the basic aim of celebrating it is the same, the belief in fire God is the same. At the end of the day this festival brings a smile on everybody's face and a feeling of togetherness is spread. |
