January marks the beginning of the new year and also it paves way for some festivities in India. After the new year celebration, many people eagerly wait for 13-Jan / 14-Jan to celebrate the harvest festival. While 13 Jan is celebrated as Lohri, 14 Jan is celebrated as Makar Sankranti in some parts and Pongal in other parts. Yesterday it was Lohri celebration and luckily I manage to visit one Punjabi family to celebrate the occasion.
Lohri is more of a Punjabi festival basically celebrated in northern parts of India. It used to be a grand celebration with bonfires, traditional songs, dancing (Bhangra / Gidda), and offerings like sesame, jaggery, and puffed rice to the fire god (Agni) for prosperity and abundance. However at faraway location where the Punjabi community is less, the celebration is more of a family affair. During Lohri, family like to stay at home and enjoy with home cooked authentic dishes. When I reached my friends home, they were already began the celebration by sitting near the bonfire.
Bonfires symbolize Agni - the fire god, offering prayers and food items made up of til (sessame seeds), gud (jaggery) and , popcorn for prosperity and the removal of poverty. My friends mom were carrying many snacks items made up of jaggery and sesame seeds including pop corn and groundnuts. The tray with all the snacks just look impressive. Especially the gajak were tempting.
Gajak is popular sweet item available only in winter. It is made with core ingredients, sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur), which are considered "warming" foods in Indian tradition, providing energy, nutrients (iron, calcium, healthy fats) to combat the cold, boosting immunity, and supporting digestion, making it a perfect, nutritious treat for the chilly season
Me and my friends sat near the bonfire for a good amount of time. Enjoying warmth of the occasion. I was enjoying clicking the fire, till it turns into amber. It is strange how they fire change their appearance.
His Mom went inside to prepare dinner for us. Although I was full after chewing all those food items, still his Mom wants me to try the local Punjabi cusine made at home. When it comes to Punjabi cuisine I always crave for Sarson da saag and Makke ki Roti. Seems she know my taste and serves the plate exactly the way I wanted.
This is true traditional Punjabi winter dish. The saag (mustard greens curry) is slow-cooked and traditionally served hot with Makki di Roti (maize flour flatbread), topped with a white butter or ghee, and accompanied by jaggery and pickle. This is popular winter dish for Punjab. While I was enjoying the authentic cuisine, my friend ordered some boneless chicken kebab from restaurant for his craving.
I remember celebrating the festival in Delhi, but not the way, as it turns out yesterday. The festival of Lohri is intrinsically linked with feelings of joy, togetherness, and new beginnings. The celebration is seen as a source of warmth and positivity that dispels the gloom of winter. Spending quality time with my friends family simply lit up the occasion. Today (14-Jan) is Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Will share more about it in my next post.
In good faith - Peace!!
