Lohri Celebration
The festival of Lohri is all about enjoying your delicious food, folk music, walking around the fire to the beat of the dhol while doing the Bhangra with family and friends. People in North India celebrate this festival with great pomp. However, after the arrival of Corona, the fun of all the festivals has faded. In India, the harvest season is considered one of the most important periods of the year. This festival is celebrated on the night of 13 January every year to acknowledge the harvesting of Rabi crops i.e. winter sown crops. This year also you can celebrate this festival with your family at home. According to tradition, there used to be a community bonfire on Lohri, but due to Corona, it is no longer possible. You can celebrate this festival with your close ones.
Offer food to the god of fire
It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is also said that the flames of the bonfire send a message to the Sun Gods that they should end the days of severe winter. For this reason, people throw certain food items towards the bonfire for which a plate is prepared. This act of offering food to the fire god is considered very auspicious especially for young children and their parents and newly married couples in the family. So do you want to know what are those special food items? Know 4 traditional things without which Lohri bonfire is incomplete.
1) Revdi
Rewari made of sesame and sugar is also included in the Lohri plate. It is commonly eaten in the northern parts of India. It comes in different flavors and sizes. However, two of them are very famous. One of which is Revdi made of white sugar and sesame and the other is made of raw brown sugar and sesame. Sometimes, it is also flavored with the essence of kewra.
2) Chikki
Chikki made with peanuts and jaggery is one of the most favorite Lohri dishes and people like to eat it in winters. Many types of chikkis can be found but groundnut chikkis are the most common. Apart from this, people also like til chikki or dry fruit chikki. This sweet is also known to keep your body warm during the winter season. If this is your first Lohri after marriage, you can also gift a packet of dry fruit chikki, which includes dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts.
3) Til Ladoo
From til ki barfi to gajak or laddus, you will find sesame seeds in almost everything for a Lohri feast. These laddoos are made from roasted sesame seeds and jaggery and are very good for your health. It is a treat that is enjoyed even after the festival is over as these laddoos have a long shelf life.
4) Popcorn
Only sesame and jaggery rule the festival of Lohri. Although popcorn, which is called phule in Punjabi, is also the most popular snack on Lohri thali.
