As January 13, 2025 approaches, the northern states of India gear up to celebrate Lohri, a popular Punjabi folk festival. The festival marks the end of winter solstice and is celebrated with bonfires, traditional dances, and delicious food. Indiaexpress.com has curated a list of wishes and greetings to spread the joy of the festival with loved ones. So, let the Lohri bonfire bring you everlasting joy and may your life be filled with the sweetness of gur and the crunch of popcorn.
Lohri, a traditional Punjabi festival, is celebrated across northern India to mark the end of winter solstice and the arrival of spring. Falling on January 13th, Lohri is a joyous occasion filled with bonfires, traditional dances, and delectable treats.
Lohri's origins date back to ancient times, with its roots in the worship of Agni, the fire god. It is believed that the festival originated in the state of Punjab, where people would gather around bonfires to ward off the cold and evil spirits. Over time, Lohri became associated with the harvest season and the hope for a prosperous future.
The central ritual of Lohri is the bonfire. People gather around the fire, sing folk songs, and dance the traditional Gidda and Bhangra. The bonfire is a symbol of renewal and represents the end of winter.
Food plays an integral role in Lohri celebrations. Sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn are considered auspicious and are often distributed among loved ones. Other common treats include til laddus, gajak, and sarson ka saag with makki roti.
1. What is the significance of sesame seeds and jaggery in Lohri? A: Sesame seeds and jaggery are symbols of prosperity and good luck. They are often distributed among loved ones as a gesture of blessings.
2. Why is fire worship an important part of Lohri? A: Fire is considered sacred in Punjabi culture and is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
3. What is the traditional attire worn for Lohri? A: For women, the traditional attire is a Phulkari suit, which is a vibrant dress embroidered with intricate designs. For men, it is a Kurta-Pajama or a Lungi.
4. What are some popular Lohri songs and dances? A: Some popular Lohri songs include "Sunder Mundriye Ho" and "Lohri Di Aayi." The Gidda and Bhangra are traditional dances performed during the festival.
5. How is Lohri celebrated in different regions of Punjab? A: While the core traditions remain the same, there are slight variations in the way Lohri is celebrated in different regions of Punjab. In some areas, people perform a ritual called "Lohi," which involves setting fire to a stack of dried cow dung. In other regions, Lohri is associated with the worship of Dulla Bhatti, a legendary figure who is said to have saved young girls from being sold as slaves.
Due to security concerns in the wake of Operation Sindoor, Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to release their much-awaited family entertainer, Bhool Chuk Maaf, directly on Prime Video for global audiences on May 16, 2025. Directed by Karan Sharmaa, the film boasts a talented cast, including Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, and revolves around themes of forgiveness and family dynamics.
A string of explosions rocked the city of Lahore in Pakistan on Thursday morning, causing panic and chaos among the residents. The blasts came just a day after India's precision strikes on multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. While no injuries or damage have been reported yet, videos and reports of smoke near the Navy War College and Lahore Airport have surfaced online. The strikes were conducted by India's armed forces as part of Operation Sindoor, which also resulted in the deaths of family members and aides of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and destroyed the headquarters of terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. This attack came after India's diplomatic action against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters treaty and a ban on trade.
The sacred voice of revered spiritual guru, Swami Premanand Maharaj, has been digitally doctored and used in misleading videos promoting commercial activities and devotional product sales. In response to this disturbing trend, the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Parikar, the official body of Premanand Maharaj's ashram, has issued a public notice denouncing the creation and circulation of these AI-manipulated videos. The notice urges people to uphold the integrity of Maharaj Ji's original voice and message, while also cautioning against the risks of deepfake technology to society.
With 25 years in the business, Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy proves he's a seasoned pro at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF 2025). In his show, "Dear World," Bhoy tackles everything from frustrations with micromanaging corporations to interacting with the audience and showcasing his impeccable comedic timing. With an easy charm and impressive accent skills, Bhoy's show is a must-see for comedy fans. Don't miss your chance to catch him at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne until 20 April.
Fans were thrilled to see Shah Rukh Khan make his MET Gala debut, but the hosts seemed a bit unaware of his global fame. In a video shared by Vogue, the singer and SNL star introduce the actor as "the first male Bollywood star" to attend the prestigious event and ask about his nerves and excitement. Shah Rukh smoothly navigates the conversation, sharing his inspiration for his outfit and his hopes to impress his kids.
Rihanna made a splash at the 2021 Met Gala with a surprise pregnancy announcement, showing off her growing baby bump in a two-piece Miu Miu outfit. Her partner A$AP Rocky, who is co-chairing the event, also confirmed the news in an interview. The couple, who already have two sons together, have yet to announce the gender of their third child. However, fans were still treated to Rihanna's iconic fashion sense as she closed out the night in a Marc Jacobs suit. Don't worry, she still looked incredible.
From stunning ensembles to star-studded appearances, Indian fashion and cinema took center stage at the MET Gala 2025. Shah Rukh Khan's regal presence and Priyanka Chopra's old Hollywood charm stole the show, accompanied by fellow Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh. With a dress code of "Tailored For You" and a theme celebrating Black culture, India truly made its mark on fashion's biggest night. Even SRK's daughter, Suhana Khan, couldn't help but share her father's MET Gala debut on social media. And did you know, SRK's look featured a 18k gold cane with precious gemstones? Now that's truly royally stylish!
In the latest trailer for Guddu Dhanoa's power-packed film, viewers are taken on a wild ride through the underbelly of Goa as DCP Sangram Singh Shekhawat (Thakur Anoop Singh) goes head-to-head with a ruthless drug cartel. Along the way, he joins forces with an intrepid journalist (Palak Tiwari), leading them both down a dangerous path that could unearth shocking secrets. With intense action, gripping storytelling, and a dynamic cast, 'Romeo S3' is set to be an unforgettable theatre experience.
Pop star Rihanna and rapper ASAP Rocky are expecting their third child together and chose to announce the news in a stunning fashion at the MET Gala 2025. The couple, who have been together for several years, shared their happy news at the fashion event, with ASAP Rocky co-chairing this year's gala. Rihanna once again proved her fashion prowess in a custom-made suit-inspired gown with a baby bump visible under the tailored look. Congratulations pour in for the couple as fans swoon over Rihanna's glamorous pregnancy ensemble.
After years of making a mark in the Indian fashion industry, designer Manish Malhotra finally made his debut at the highly prestigious MET Gala in 2025. His appearance, kept under wraps until the event, stunned and surprised everyone with his bespoke creation. With a dress code theme of "Tailored for You," Manish's designs showcased his love for Indian craftsmanship and style, incorporating intricate threadwork and glamorous embellishments. Among the array of celebrities at the event, Manish's designs were elegantly worn by entrepreneur Natasha Poonawalla and Grammy-winning singer Coco Jones, marking their debut at the MET Gala as well.