Lohri festival celebrates harvest and community spirit in India

Lohri marks the end of winter and the start of warmer days in India. It is celebrated with bonfires and offerings to the Sun God, symbolizing the harvest of Rabi crops. The festival is linked to various cultural and agricultural traditions. The festival also has spiritual significance, representing the dispelling of inner darkness. It is associated with family and community, celebrating events like marriages and the birth of sons. Modern customs have evolved, reflecting changing values regarding daughters. Lohri is connected to legends, particularly that of Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero who helped two Hindu girls. Children singing traditional songs while asking for Lohri treats is a cherished part of the celebration.