The unique traditions of Lohri make it a festival accepted by all.
Jagran correspondent, Varanasi. Years ago, the festival of Lohri was celebrated only in some areas of Punjab, but now this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. “You are a beautiful mundarie, who is your thought….Dulla Bhatti wala ho, dulle di dhi vii….” You must have often seen people speaking or singing the name of Dulla Bhatti on the festival of Lohri.
There was a farmer named Sunderdas and Sundari-Mundri were his daughters. Dulla Bhatti had received the news of forced marriage of these girls. In such a situation, after reaching the spot, Dulla Bhatti set the entire village on fire. After this, Sundari-Mundri's marriage took place as per the wishes of their parents. Sugar was distributed as a sign of omen. Keeping this in view, the story of Dulla Bhatti is told on the festival of Lohri.
The festival of Lohri is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti. Traditionally, Lohri is a special festival associated with the sowing and harvesting of crops. On this day, sesame, jaggery, gajak, rewari and peanuts are offered to the fire. The enthusiasm of everyone during the festival is worth seeing, but this festival is special for those who are newly married. On this occasion, the bride and groom dress up and take rounds in front of the sacred fire of Lohri and dance and sing.
The story of Dulla Bhatti is heard on Lohri. The story of Dulla Bhatti is heard by forming a circle around the fire of Lohri. Hearing the story of Dulla Bhatti on Lohri has special significance. It is believed that during the Mughal era, during the time of Akbar, a person named Dulla Bhatti lived in Punjab. At that time, some rich businessmen used to sell the girls of the city in exchange of goods, then Dulla Bhatti saved those girls and got them married. Since then, every year on the festival of Lohri, there has been a tradition of narrating the story of Dulla Bhatti in his memory.
Special significance of Lohri for the newly married couple: This festival is important for the newly married couple and the first child born in the family. On this day, the new bride is given gifts by her in-laws, while the new baby is welcomed into the family by giving gifts. The festival of Lohri is related to the sowing and harvesting of crops. There is a tradition of worshiping the new crop on this day in Punjab and Haryana. Lohri is lit at night. Men perform Bhangra near the Lohri fire, while women perform Gidda. All the relatives come together and dance to celebrate Lohri with great pomp and show.
Know the lyrics of the song Sundar Mundariye Tera Kaun Vicharadulla Bhattiwaladulle Di Dhee Vyahiser Shakkar Payikudi Da Lal Patakakudi Da Salu Pata Salu Kaun Sametamema Churi KuttiZinmindars LuttiZamindar Sudhaaye Gin Gin Pola Laaik Pola Ghat GayaZamindar Vohti Le Ke Nas Gayaik Pola Hor AayaZamindar Vohti Le Ke Nas Gayaik Pola Hor AayaZamindar Vohti Le Came Running The Constable Took away the soldier, I don't want to kill you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you. This is a song which is sung in the memory of Dulla Bhatti on the day of Lohri.
Festivals are celebrated along with the changes in nature like in Lohri it is said that this day is the longest last night of the year and from the next day the day gradually starts increasing. Besides, this time is also considered a time of joy for the farmers. Grains start blooming in the fields and the weather seems pleasant. This festival is also considered a symbol of mutual unity.
There are special dishes for every festival in India. Gajak, Revdi, peanuts etc. are eaten in Lohri and dishes are also made from these. Specially mustard greens and maize roti are made here. Nowadays, on the day of Lohri, parties are also organized in those houses where a son has been born or a new bride has arrived. In this, people burn Lohri with great pomp and around it, they perform Bhangra with enthusiasm and welcome the guests.