India is a land known for its vibrant culture, joyous festive spirit and extensive history. From North to South and East to West, myriad festivals are celebrated on our land. However, one thing that remains common is our festive fervour and when we speak of this, we cannot forget the energetic heartland of India, Punjab. Get ready to ignite the festive spirit as we dive into a Lohri special featuring our favourite creators Harkirat Kaur Kukreja and Prabhjot Singh.
Harkirat Kaur Kukreja is a content creator and travel influencer. Apart from her digital stardom, she also plays an impactful role as a Social Entrepreneur and a mother of 3 beautiful children. On the other hand, Prabhjot Singh is a lifestyle vlogger who creates content around travel, fashion, relationships and much more. After his scary accident in Nepal, his grit and determination to better himself touched the hearts of millions. While both these creators are very different on the outside, it is their faith that unites the two. Join us as we chat with Harkirat and Prabhjot as they share insights about Lohri, its significance and their celebration plans.
SN: Lohri is known as the harvest festival, but can you explain the significance of this festival in urban life?
Harkirat: In urban areas, Lohri is a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. For us, it’s not just a harvest festival but a celebration of life and a new beginning. It’s a time when we forget the hustle of city life and come together with family and friends, cherishing our roots and creating a sense of community. It’s more about keeping our culture alive in the concrete jungle and passing these values to our children.
Prabhjot: The significance of Lohri in urban life nowadays is to rejoice and have a get-together with close ones and spend some quality time enjoying and appreciating our age-old culture.
SN: What are some of the unknown traditions/rituals that are followed in this festival?
Harkirat: Each year, we have our unique family rituals for Lohri. Apart from the traditional bonfire, we love gathering around it, sharing stories of our ancestors, and singing folk songs. It’s a time for reflection and gratitude. We also involve our children in preparing handmade decorations and Lohri baskets, which they distribute among neighbours, fostering a sense of giving and community spirit.
Prabhjot: It is an occasion to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Lohri gets its name from “Loi,” the wife of Saint Kabir. The festival has been celebrated for centuries as a way to seek the blessings of the Sun God. Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century figure is a central character in many Lohri songs because he fought against the evil practices practised against women.
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SN: Are there any specific dishes that are relished on Lohri?
Harkirat: Food is the heart of Lohri celebrations. Our family relishes traditional dishes like Makki di Roti with Sarson da Saag, Pinni, and Gajak. We also experiment with fusion dishes, adding a modern twist to traditional flavours. These meals are more than just food; they’re a celebration of our rich culinary heritage.
Prabhjot: I enjoy Lohri ki Thali, a spread of delectable dishes that symbolise abundance, prosperity, and togetherness. It typically consists of dishes like Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti, Gajak and Rewri, Moongfali and Gud Chikki, Dahi Bhalle, Til and Gur Delicacies, Aloo Gobhi, and Panjiri. I’ve always loved celebrating this festival since I have a sweet tooth and love to eat all the sweets made during this time.
SN: How are you planning to celebrate Lohri this year with your family?
Harkirat: This year, our Lohri celebration will be a mix of traditional and contemporary. We plan to host a small gathering with close family and friends, focusing on eco-friendly celebrations. There will be a special emphasis on teaching our children the significance of Lohri, involving them in the rituals and ensuring they understand and appreciate our cultural heritage. It’s all about creating memories and passing on the torch of tradition to the next generation.
Prabhjot: I cannot have fixed plans even during festivals because of my work and travelling but wherever I am, I love to celebrate this festival with the people I have around me. I enjoy telling people about this festival and our culture.
The festival spirit has kicked in for us as Harkirat Kaur Kukreja and Prabhjot Singh share their understanding of Lohri and how they plan to celebrate the festival. From familiar rituals around the holy bonfire to the laughter that echoes amongst friends and family, Lohri is truly a festival that lights up your life.
On behalf of Social Nation, we wish you and your dear ones, a very Happy Lohri!
