Staff Reporter
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
More than 400 people attended the ‘Lohri Festival’ organised by the Indian Cultural Group (ICG) in Christchurch last fortnight.
Second in an annual series, the festival was hosted by Dr Ruchika Sachdev and Nimi Bedi, who was an Auckland resident until two years ago.
ICG President Dr Sandeep Sachdev said that the programme included Jagoo, Bhangra, Gidda and Boliyan with traditional songs.
“The event was dedicated to women empowerment. Traditional Lohri food was served for the first time. Prizes were given for best dressed male, female and child participants,” he said.
The following was sourced from Wikipedia:
According to the Hindu calendar, Lohri falls in mid-January.
The Earth, farthest from the Sun at this point of time, starts its journey towards the Sun, ending the coldest month of the year, Paush (in the Northern Hemisphere). It is also the start of the month of Magh and the auspicious period of Uttarayan.
Legend and Custom
Bhagavad Gita says that Lord Krishna manifests Himself in His full magnificence during this time. The Hindus ‘nullify’ their sins by bathing in the Ganges.
Lohri is more than just a festival, especially for the people of Punjab.
Punjabis are hardworking, sturdy, robust, energetic, enthusiastic and jovial people, and Lohri is symbolic of their love for celebrations.
Lohri celebrates fertility and the joy of life.
In the event of the birth of a male child or a marriage in the family, it assumes a larger significance with the host family arranging a feast with traditional music and dance. The first Lohri of a new bride or a new-born baby is considered extremely important.
