Do you know the real reason behind the celebration of the Lohri festival and the song Sundar Mundariye in the Northern states of India. Well the festival holds immense significance in Northern India. Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the surrounding regions. It falls on the 13th of January every year. The festival has its roots in agrarian culture and is associated with the harvest season.
The history and origins of Lohri can be traced back to ancient times, and there are various legends and stories associated with it. One of the most popular legends is the tale of Dulla Bhatti, a heroic figure from Punjab.
Dulla Bhatti was a Muslim highway robber who lived during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. Despite being a bandit, Dulla Bhatti was known for his acts of bravery and helping the poor. He would loot the rich and distribute the wealth among the needy, especially the girls who were forced into slavery.
One famous story linked to Lohri revolves around Dulla Bhatti’s rescue of two girls named Sundri and Mundri. These girls were about to be sold into slavery, and Dullah Bhatti not only rescued them but also arranged their marriages, treating them as his own sisters. During the festival of Lohri, people sing folk songs and share the story of Dulla Bhatti to express gratitude and celebrate his acts of benevolence.
In addition to the Dulla Bhatti legend, Lohri is also associated with the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Agni, the god of fire. The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. People celebrate by lighting bonfires, dancing around them, singing traditional folk songs, and enjoying festive foods like sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts.
Lohri is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a time for socializing, expressing gratitude, and fostering a sense of community. It holds cultural significance and is observed with great enthusiasm and joy by the people in the northern regions of India. We at JLPL believe that Lohri is an important occasion for our organization as it fosters a sense of unity among our employees. Lohri at JLPL has always been a family celebration. This year was nothing short of special with a bonfire, employees dancing on traditional songs and a diverse spread of regional delicacies, creating a happy and culturally rich atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.