Lohri, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, is one of Punjab's many revered festivals. Post-sunset celebrations usually involve building a bonfire and then taking turns roaming around it in circles, throwing food items like til, aka sesame seeds, popcorn, and so on into it.
Til, jaggery or gur, peanuts, and gajak or chikki are some foods commonly associated with Lohri. These are ideal for the winter season as they keep you warm and also hold immense importance during this festival. You would find people getting warmed up while sitting around a huge bonfire on the evening of Lohri. They’ll be throwing in food too. Have you ever wondered why this is practiced?
The Importance of Throwing Food on a Bonfire
The etymology of the word Lohri suggests that it is derived from two different words, "til," meaning sesame seeds, and "rohori," meaning jaggery or gur, which gives us Tilhori or Lohri, as it is called nowadays. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice, and it is said that adding food to the bonfire is a way of paying gratitude to nature.
The act of throwing popcorn, rewri, and peanuts into the fire is believed to cleanse the body by letting go of the negative past and welcoming the new year with open arms. Walking around the bonfire (Lord Agni symbol), is considered to ward off evil spirits and attract positivity, prosperity, and happiness.
Lohri is a special festival for Punjabi farmers because it is the time just before they harvest their crops and pray for a bountiful year and harvest ahead.