Suruchi Sharma
Held annually on January 13, the day before "Makar Sankrati," the festival of Lohri signifies the end of the winter season.
Another name for Lohri is "Maghi." For the "Sikh" community, the celebration, which ushers in the fiscal year, is very significant.
On Lohri, people congregate around a bonfire in the evening and toss dry fruits, popcorn, puffed rice, and peanuts into it.
A new bride's first Lohri is regarded as extremely significant, and her presence, together with her bridal attire, enhances the ceremony.
She performs "gidda," a traditional Punjabi dance style for women, around the bonfire with her in-laws by her side, accompanied by her spouse wearing a turban.
Another name for Lohri is the day of the winter solstice. The sun tilts towards the Tropic of Cancer on this day every year.
A crucial component of the celebration is the ceremonial consumption of "til," which in Hindi means sesame seeds, and "rohri," which is jaggery.
The event is called Tillohri, or Lohri, a combination of the words "til" and "rohri."
In Punjab, flying kites is a well-loved tradition during the Lohri festival.
'Gajak', 'sarso da saag', and 'makke di roti' are among the customary dishes made for the Lohri celebration.