Oggi in alcune aree dell 'India si festeggia Lohri. Vi propongo a tal proposito questo articolo del Times of India che spiega le origini e le caratteristiche di tale festività.
Lohri - an agricultural winter festival
Lohri is a fun filled festivity observed by the Punjabi community every
year in the month of January for a good harvest that carries cultural
and traditional significance. It is observed on the eve of the winter
solstice based on the belief that the Lohri night is the longest night
of the year. Numerous theories have been suggested pertaining to the
derivation of the term 'Lohri'. Many suggest that the festival derives
its name from Loi, wife of Saint Kabir. Whereas, some believe the name
'Lohri' has been originated from the word 'loh', an iron pan used for
preparing food.
Lohri festival best reflects the community's love for festival and
celebrations of exuberance. However, the celebration of Lohri is not
only restricted within the state of Punjab but also are observed
enthusiastically throughout Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu and
Himachal Pradesh. According to the Hindu calendar, the Lohri 2014 will
be observed on Monday, January 13.
The Lohri festival is marked by a range of traditional exciting
activities such as lighting the ritualistic bonfire during the evening,
dancing on the beats of the dhol, traditional handmade dishes, singing
popular folklore around the bonfire and enjoying sumptuous feast. The
folklores is also an integral part of Lohri which is all about
expressing gratitude to the good harvest season and the natural elements
such as water, wind and fire. On this day, people remember Dulha Bhatti
- a famous legendary hero who helped the poor by robbing the rich, by
singing folklores.
Lighting the bonfire in Lohri symbolizes offering prayers to Lord Agni
(god of fire) to shower blessing on the land with abundance of crops and
prosperity. The Lohri feast includes popular traditional feast such as
makki-di-roti and sarson-da-saag.
For children, Lohri is the time of amusement and excitement. Early
morning they visit houses within their neighbourhood to collect the
Lohri 'loot' that usually includes traditional sweets, snacks (gajak,
rewri, til, moongphali and jaggery) and money.
Significance of Lohri is no more restricted to celebration only but also
implies a wonderful time for people in the community to rejoice and
rejuvenate themselves from their chore and unite to share some fun and
relive the cultural values. People exchange Lohri wishes to spread and
celebrates the spirit of festivity.
On the occasion many people send personalised Lohri greetings and fancy
Lohri gifts to their dear ones. The fascinating Lohri messages and
lovely Lohri SMS are also popular as unique ideas to send warm 'Happy
Lorhi' and mark the occasion as special.
