Lohri 2024: How the festival got its name and what its significance is

It is time for celebrations! Lohri is celebrated across North India, a day before Makar Sankranti. It is a popular Indian festival the marks the beginning of the harvest season. After Lohri, the days become longer and nights become shorter. The festival is popular, especially in the states of Punjab, Delhi NCR, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu.

While you munch on tasty delicacies at the beginning of the harvest season, let's know how this festival got its name!

Significance Of Lohri

On the auspicious day of Lohri, farmers dedicate their new crops to the fire, thank the Sun God and celebrate the festival. The festival is a symbol of happiness and prosperity. Lohri night is considered to be the biggest night of the year as the weather starts getting favourable for crops to grow.

Lohri is derived from three words: Lo means wood, Oh means Goha ( dung cakes ) and Di means sesame seeds. On this day, locals make tasty delicacies, sing folk songs, dance to the tune of dhol, and express joy by performing bhangra, gidda and chajja.

Significance of Lohri for newly-weds

The first Lohri of the newly married couple is celebrated with great pomp in the presence of all the family members. According to tradition, the new bride is introduced to all the family members. Lohri is also considered a symbol of fertility. The new couple puts sesame seeds, jaggery, maize flour, and sugarcane in the bonfire and takes seven rounds to seek the blessings of the elders.

Also watch: Lohri 2024: Make delicious til gud laddoos at home; check out this simple recipe