Journalism of Courage
The folk festival of Lohri marks the celebration of harvest. Observed primarily by Hindus and Sikhs of the Punjab region, the festival also commemorates the passing of the winter solstice. People offer their thanksgivings and pray to the deities of the sun, earth and fire for prosperity and happiness on this festival. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Observed a night before Makar Sankranti, this occasion involves a Puja Parikrama around the bonfire with prasad. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Lohri is a festival associated directly with the sun, earth and fire. Sun represents the life element, earth represents our food and fire maintains our health. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Primarily considered the festival of Punjabis, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, especially in the north Indian region. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Lohri is a way to spread the joy of seeing the sparkling pearls of rabi crops amidst traditional folk songs, dance and food. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The stories related with Lohri are numerous and are based on religious as well as socio-cultural traditions and events. The most famous and interesting legend behind Lohri is the story associated by Dulla Bhatti. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Dulla Bhatti was popular among the poor, akin to Robin Hood, at the time of Mughal king Akbar. He used to plunder the rich community and distribute the loot among the poor and needy. This made him famous and revered among the populace. As the legend goes, he once saved a girl from the hands of kidnappers and then took care of her like his own daughter. (Source: Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
