What is the Bonfire Ritual in Lohri Festival? In the evening, with the setting of the sun, huge bonfires are lit in the harvested fields and in the front yards of houses and people gather around the rising flames, circle around (parikrama) the bonfire and throw puffed rice, popcorn and other munchies into the fire, shouting “Aadar aye dilather jaye” …
Read More »What are customs and legends of Lohri?
What are customs and legends of Lohri? In the morning on Lohri day, children go from door to door singing and demanding the Lohri ‘loot’ in the form of money and eatables like til (sesame) seeds, peanuts, jaggery, or sweets like gajak, rewri, etc. They sing in praise of Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi avatar of Robin Hood who robbed the …
Read More »What is the Significance of Lohri?
What is the Significance of Lohri? In Punjab, the breadbasket of India, wheat is the main winter crop, which is sown in October and harvested in March or April. In January, the fields come up with the promise of a golden harvest, and farmers celebrate Lohri during this rest period before the cutting and gathering of crops. Significance of Lohri: …
Read More »What is History of Baisakhi?
What is History of Baisakhi? Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. History of Baisakhi traces its origin from the Baisakhi Day celebrations of 1699 organized by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa – Brotherhood of Saint Soldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression. What …
Read More »What is Baisakhi Dance? Folk dances of Punjab
What is Baisakhi Dance? Popular folk dances of Punjab: Dancing is one of the most prominent aspects of Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab. Most popular form of dance for the occasion is Bhangra and Gidda, the folk dance for men and women respectively. To celebrate the harvest festival of Baisakhi men and women dress themselves in traditional attire and get together in …
Read More »What is Significance of Baisakhi?
What is Significance of Baisakhi? Vibrant Festival of Baisakhi is considered to be an extremely important festival in India for number of reasons. Apart from being important for the farmers as a harvest festival, the festival is of prime importance in Sikhism as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth. Besides, auspicious Baisakhi day is of importance for astrological reasons too! …
Read More »What are Baisakhi Customs and Rituals?
What are Baisakhi Customs and Rituals? The harvest festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety across the vibrant state of Punjab. It falls on the first day of the Indian calendar month, Vaishakh, which is usually April 13. Apart from being a harvest festival, it holds a special significance in the Sikh community, because it commemorates the establishment …
Read More »Name the legends associated with Baisakhi?
Name the legends associated with Baisakhi? Legends are associated with a number of festivals celebrated in India. Since agriculture is the backbone of India – it provides livelihood to majority of the people in the rural areas of the country – the festival of harvest are given special importance in the calendar of events. Baisakhi is one of the important …
Read More »What is Baisakhi Mela?
India is land of festivals and unique traditions. People in this country celebrate any occasion with immense joy and elation. Baisakhi is one festival in the country which is celebrated with loud celebrations and merriment throughout the country. However, the zealous and vibrant celebrations in Punjab can’t be compared to the celebration at any other place in the country. One …
Read More »What is Baisakhi and how it is celebrated?
What is Baisakhi and how it is celebrated? For people in northern parts of India, especially the Sikhs, Baisakhi is a mega event – it is a religious festival, harvest festival and New Year‘s Day all rolled into one. In April, this day marks the beginning of the Hindu solar New Year. In fact, this day is celebrated all over …
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