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‘Tainted’ Naib Tehsildar not to be suspended
Ludhiana, January 12 The agitators also called off the stir after the assurance that no departmental action would be taken against the Naib Tehsildar. Though any public official or an employee, who remains in police custody for 48 hours, is put under suspension by the department concerned, but due to the protest by tehsildars, no suspension orders would be issued to Naib Tehsildar Salinder Singh. Sources in the administration said Salinder Singh would not be suspended as the Vigilance had failed to take a member from the panel constituted by the Deputy Commissioner when it had laid the trap. As per rules, the Vigilance teams are required to take a panel member along while catching a public servant in such cases. Moreover, the complainant in the case wanted the power of attorney of a property in Dhandra village that could have been taken care of by either of the three Sub Registrar offices in the city. But he had specifically gone to Mullanpur Dakha to get it registered. On this plea, the tehsildars have demanded an inquiry into the entire episode. Earlier in the day, Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh had said the agitation would be called off tomorrow. He said this after holding a meeting with them. He said he had listened to the protesters and had asked them to return to work from Wednesday. He also assured them to facilitate a meeting with the Chief Minister. The agitating officials had earlier called a meeting at Mandi Gobindgarh tomorrow, where they wanted to decide the future course of action. A spokesperson for the tehsildars said they were given a satisfactory hearing by the Chief Secretary. “We told him about our demands. He said he would help us meet the Chief Minister,” he said. The Chief Secretary, however, said they were considering the communication by the Vigilance Bureau that the former Sub-Registrar used to make lakhs everyday and share the booty with higher officials of the district administration. “We would take strict action if the allegations are found to be true,” he said.
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Town planner suspended
Ludhiana, January 12 According to sources, Raj Kumar was asked to issue a no-objection certificate for the building of a BJP councillor, Sunita Phanta, by the MC commissioner. However, Raj Kumar went on leave and did not give the certificate. Ghuman then wrote to the department of local bodies, seeking the suspension of the town planner. The sources said the copy of the order issued by the director-cum-additional secretary, SK Sharma, was received by the municipal office today. It is for the second time in the month that the ATP of the building branch of the municipal corporation is in the dock. On January 3, ATP Ramesh Chabbra of Zone-A was booked as a co-accused in a corruption case by the Vigilance Bureau, along with building inspector Joginder Kapoor, for accepting Rs 21,000 as bribe. Chabbra is still absconding. It is not for the first that ATPs have been taken to task. Last year, ATP Harpreet Singh Ghai was issued a show-cause notice for failing to meet a deadline. On December 10, Ghuman had issued a letter to various departments and had asked municipal officials of various branches to send a certificate that no court case was pending against them. A few of those against whom civil contempt petitions were pending were asked to send their replies to the appointed lawyers. However, Ghai failed to comply with the time limit and received a notice. |
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Freeze flowers for better price
Ludhiana, January 12 Kushal Singh and Ramesh Kuma, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), through their publication in "Progressive Farming"- a monthly journal of farm varsity have suggested that such flowers were perishable and deteriorates in quality very rapidly, storage helped in reducing the post-harvest losses. Low temperature during the storage prevents undesired opening of the bud, decreases water loss and prevents loss of food from the buds. Flowers could be stored either under dry or wet conditions. In dry storage, the stems are placed in plastic sleeves whereas in wet storage, these are either kept in containers filled with water or chemical solutions. Both experts suggest that flowers should be cut at an appropriate stage of the bud growth. Flowers cut at an open stage do not last long after storage. Also, the buds cut too tight, fail to open following storage. A few flowers like rose, gladiolus, iris, daffodils and tulip were normally harvested at bud stage as buds of these flowers continue to open after harvest. Such flowers should always be stored at bud stage. On the other hand, flowers like gerbera, standard chrysanthemum and dahlia do not open when cut at bud stage. These flowers should always be cut at open stage for storage. In general, flowers harvested at bud stage last longer than those harvested at open stage. The flowers of good quality should be selected for storage because the weak buds either don’t open after storage or exhibit short vase life. It must be kept in mind that the stems should not get any mechanical injury or symptoms of pathogen or pest infestation. |
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Farmer murdered; wife suspect
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 12 Though the assailants were alleged to have demanded cash and valuables from the couple, they let his wife return to the village without taking her gold jewellery. The Dehlon police has registered an FIR under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC in this regard. Though the police is tightlipped on the outcome of the preliminary investigation, the role of the wife has come under scanner. Baldev Singh (35), a father of three, was stoned to death when he and his wife, Kuldeep Kaur, were going to pay obeisance at a gurdwara situated on the outskirts of the village at about 3.30 am today. According to Kuldeep Kaur, two motor-cycle borne assailants intercepted them and asked them to hand over their cash and valuables. They frisked Baldev Singh and when he protested, there was a scuffle. They hit his head against some bricks lying along the road. “When I asked them to leave my husband, they told me to go away. Unable to save Baldev, I returned to the village and informed the sarpanch about the incident,” she told the police. Profusely bleeding, Baldev was shifted to hospital by villagers, but he was declared brought dead. Preliminary investigation by a team led by the DSP Dhaka revealed that the couple were on their way to the gurdwara for the first time today. Though there were four gurdwaras in the village, the couple chose to go to one situated over a kilometre away. Also, the victim was already injured in one leg. The police has initiated probe into the murder after registering a case on the statement of the brother-in-law of the deceased, Surjant Singh. |
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2 brothers shot at over kite flying
Ludhiana, January 12 The injured have been identified as Tarun (28) and Kashav (30). They are struggling for life at the CMC Hospital. According to the police, two groups led by Tarun and Harsh were at loggerheads over the “cutting” of kite. The argument soon turned ugly and both groups started abusing each other. According to a resident, there was heated exchange of words between both groups and they even started throwing bricks at each other. Later, they gathered near a mandir at Purana Bazar to settle score. Maddi, who was carrying a pistol, allegedly fired a shot into the air and pumped bullets into the abdomen of Tarun. Kashav was hit by one bullet. Another resident alleged that Kashav and Tarun, along with 15 others, overpowered Harsh and Maddi. Finding no option, Maddi took out his pistol and fired a shot into the air. But when the youths again tried to grapple with them, the accused shot at the two youths and fled. The injured were rushed to the hospital, where their condition is stated to be serious. Davinder Singh, SHO of Division No. 4, said efforts were on to nab the accused. No case had been registered so far. |
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Transporters submit memo to DC
Ludhiana, January 12 They also submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Sumer Gurjar today and demanded the immediate release of AIMTC president Charan Singh Lohara and two executive members who had been arrested in Delhi, failing which the transporters would march to Delhi and hold a dharna. Transporters also took a huge rally and later submitted a memorandum to the DC. Pritivi Raj Sharma, chairman of the Ludhiana transporters welfare association, said they had requested the government to release those arrested and withdraw any case if registered against them otherwise they would be compelled to intensify their agitation. “Keeping in view the convenience of the public, we have not stopped the transportation of essential goods, but if the government does not release our leaders, we will be compelled to stop the supply,” he said. Members of the NPC Transporters Welfare Club said they would march to Delhi and gherao the residence of the Prime Minister. “Putting the agitating leaders in jail is not a solution to the problem,” said Kirpal Singh Sandhu, a member, adding that “we are continuing with our strike in a peaceful manner and will not give up until our demands are met.” |
Staff Crunch
Ludhiana, January 12 Though the police claims that the city is being patrolled round-the-clock by PCR cops, but they, too, have proved to be ineffective in bringing down the crime graph. Incidents of the cycles, scooters and cars thefts from outside houses, commercial complexes, marriage palaces and markets have become a common feature. Approximately 50 cases of similar nature have been reported since the new year, while the similar number has gone unreported. A close analysis of such cases in the past few weeks reveal that they prefer old model scooters and motorbikes rather than for fancy ones, since such vehicles are abundant on roads. These vehicles are further sold to local scrape dealers who further dismantle the vehicle and sell it in the scrap. The neighbouring towns of the industrial city have become a perfect destination for selling such motorbikes. Three days ago the scooter of scribe and a motorcycle of a businessman was stolen in less then six hours. While the scooter was stolen from parking near a hotel, the motorbike of the businessmen was stolen in front of his house. Similarly, car thieves prefer the more common Maruti brand. But of late, they are also going in for brand new models of more expensive cars. Cases have recently been reported where the thieves have stolen cars on the pistol point or by using the master key. On an average five to 10 cars have been stolen from the city. Recently, a Maruti car of a senior photojournalist was stolen from the parking lot where his exhibition was taking place. The arrest of Sohan Singh Brar, a middleman at the DTO office by the Mohali police in a case of forged preparation of registration copy of vehicles have also revealed that how the business of fake registration of vehicles was being run right under the nose of the DTO department. The police has recovered four stamps of the DTO, Ludhiana, Motor Vehicle Authority, Ludhiana, XEN (B and R), Mekrian, and a medical officer of the civil hospital, Ludhiana. Fake copies of registration, international driving license and other related documents were also recovered from the suspects. Sohan Singh Bains is learnt to be bringing out a transport magazine and claims to be a member of the state transport advisory committee. Burglaries and snatchings have also shown an upward trend. There has been an alarming increase in house, shop and office burglaries in various areas of the city. Recently two youths entered a house in Agar Nagar, terrorised a housewife at pistol-point and decamped with her gold earrings and necklace. Last night Satnam Kaur sustained multiple injuries and is still in serious condition after the snatchers while hit her she was returning home after paying obeisance at a Sarabha Nagar Gurdwara. Abhishek Khanna and his mother Sushma Khanna witnessed harrowing time when a pickpocket stole a mobile phone of Abhishek, while her mother's bag was snatched by youth in Jawahar Nagar market last evening. Cheats and thugs are also having a gala time in the city. These criminals dupe gullible men and women of their hard-earned money and ornaments. After the initial enthusiasm, all schemes to curb the menace have fizzled out. Sources affirm that the police is also feeling the heat due to the staff shortage.
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People seek memorial at Kup Kalan
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 12 However, the villagers were upset that they were not allowed to meet Chief Minister at public functions organised at various places in Ludhiana and Sangrur districts, recently. In a communication addressed to the Chief Minister, the residents and sarpanchs of 30 villages in the Malerkotla subdivision, led by Maj Sher Singh and Surjit Singh, an NRI, have demanded construction of a suitable memorial at the village. The residents demanded an engineering college, polytechnic or a postgraduate institute of business administration to commemorate Sikh martyrs of Bara Ghallughara (major holocaust). To substantiate their claim the residents attached copies of items of Sikh literature in which authorities, including Sohan Sital Singh and Rai Jasbir Singh had claimed that forces of Abdali had attacked Sikhs at Kup Kalan village. The place was also known for “Rasta Roko Andolan.” While the two wings of a civil hospital were constructed by former chief ministers late Lachhman Singh Gill and Partap Singh Kairon, the present government has been putting off demand to construct a suitable memorial. Investigations by the Ludhiana Tribune revealed that people of this area were divided over issue of constructing the memorial for recognising the sacrifice of Sikhs killed by forces of Abdali. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had announced construction of memorials at places, one at Kup Kalan and the other at Rohira last year.
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Arhtiyas demand paddy bonus in cash
Ludhiana, January 12 A meeting of the state and district level office-bearers of the association held here last evening, noted with satisfaction that the Chief Minister had already agreed to the demand in principle but it was yet to be implemented in totality. Addressing the meeting, Ram Sarup Sharma, chairman of the body, pointed out that majority of the farmers had to face problems in encashing cheques issued on account of paddy bonus as a large number of farmers either had no bank accounts, or there were discrepancies in making out the cheques. He said while the procurement agencies be asked to make payment of bonus to farmers in cash through the arhtiyas, the cheques which were already issued but had not been encashed by the farmers till now, should also be taken back and the amount paid in cash to the producers. A few speakers alleged that a section of bureaucrats were making attempts to defame the commission agents for their own vested interests, which had led to confrontation between the arhtiyas and the state government. The association was sore at the shabby treatment meted out to its members by the state food and supplies department during the last two seasons of procurement. For its failure to lift the produce in time during last two seasons, the department had imposed heavy penalties on the arhtiyas, causing huge financial loss to them. It was unanimously resolved that in future the commission agents would allow lifting of sold produce only after receiving their full payment to avoid deductions at a later stage.
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Foeticide: Grandmas can play vital role
Ludhiana, January 12 The chief guest, Harish Rai Dhanda, also the chief parliamentary secretary, while focussing on the importance of girl child, exhorted to fight the social evil of female foeticide together. Association president Dr Sunil Mittu urged the women to come forward to eradicating the menace of female foeticide from the society. “If the elderly woman start welcoming their female grandchildren in the same way as they feel happy for a male child, this stigma will fade away soon.” Dr Sunil Lakhotra, general secretary of the association, emphasised the need for creating awareness among the poor and illiterate people to treat both male and female children alike. He further stressed the government should take necessary steps to provide elementary education to the weaker sections, especially girls, and wage a war against the social evils like dowry, which alone could pave the way for sexual equality in the society.
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Media a hit with girls
Ludhiana, January 12 The data available with the department of journalism at various institutions indicates that girls remain dominating during the entire courses. Nidhi, a pass out from Panjab University, Chandigarh, told The Tribune that with the mushrooming of plenty of electronic channels, there has been a vast scope for females in the profession. The reporting at majority of these channels is done by the females. "Gone are the days when women were restricted to the four-walls. Today, they are ready to move ahead from their male counterparts in every field. I would love to try my luck at one of the electronic channels, as they are good pay masters, too", said Nidhi. Ridhima (name changed), another student from the department of journalism, Punjab Agricultural University, here has however, another reason to join the course. "My family is not interested that I should be working. They let me join the course, as they feel since it is a glamorous line. Even in our class, there are a few boys. But some of my female friends intend to join print or electronic media", added Ridhima. Dr Sarabjit Singh, associate Prof, department of agri-journalism, languages and culture, Punjab Agricultural University, said girls were much ahead than boys in every field. Since admissions to the course were results based, girls always performed better during entrance exams. “Girls are more serious. These days, glamour has added to the profession so most of the girls prefer to join journalism. Some more daring feel to be reporters while many others prefer to do the desk job,” said Dr Sarabjit Singh.
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City colleges too join in
Ludhiana, January 12 While the sparks of alacrity marked the faces of the girls of Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujarkhan, on the occasion of Lohri. Students danced to the tunes of latest dance numbers. Girls also sang traditional songs. Atmosphere of festivity and gaiety prevailed over Ramgarhia Girls College. Traditional songs were sung around the bonfire. Students of Gobind Public School, Khanna also celebrated Lohri. A ceremonial bonfire was lit by principal Dr Suresh Tandon. Also, Lohri dedicated to the girl child was celebrated with zeal and fervour at Khalsa College for women, Sidhwan Khurd, near here today. The programme “Lohri Dhian Di” started with the lighting of bonefire by two little girls and tils were offered to the fire with prayers for everybody’s welfare in the coming year. The function was marked with a cultural programme in which folk songs, folk dance and Giddha were performed by the students as well as staff. Groundnuts and reweri were distributed to everyone present there to enjoy the celebrations. The principals and staff of the sister institutions of Sidhwan Khurd graced the celebrations with their presence. In yet another instance, the Nishkam Vidya Mandir, Raikot, celebrated the lohri of daughter of Pardeep Singh, Harmanveer Kaur, with the same excitement as is done for a boy. President Harjeet Kaur, principal Ravi Devgan, Dr Bahadur Singh, Dr Ajaib Singh, Jasveer Singh, Swaranjit Kaur and BS Bansal were present among others on the occasion. Lohri was also celebrated with fervour at A.S. College for Women today. The girls performed gidha during the occasion and the college principal distributed sweets among the children. The college principal, Rekha Bhardwaj, informed the girl students about the importance of Lohri. Lohri was celebrated at Gobindgarh Public College, Alour, with a great enthusiasm. While a ceremonial bonfire was lit by principal Dr Suresh Tandon, members of the Gobindgarh Educational and Social Welfare Trust president Piara Singh Kalsi, secretary NK Khanna, treasurer Pawan Sharda, GESWT and Vimal Vinod Bansal chairman, GPC, graced the occasion. The principal said it was an auspicious day, which marked the culmination of winter and was a symbol of fertility. Piara Singh and Vimal Bansal also congratulated the students and narrated them the significance and origin of Lohri festival. Prof Amit Narula and Sushna Miglani also accompanied the principal.
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Lohri celebrated at old age home
Ludhiana, January 12 Love Dale
“Bhatti Wale” arrived at Love Dale, where children came dressed in traditional costumes. They also sang folk songs and boliyan. A bonfire was lighted and nuts and gachak were also relished by
the kids. GNI Public School
Students of Guru Nanak International Public School celebrated Lohri in a traditional way by sitting around the bonfire and dancing to the Punjabi hit numbers. They enjoyed themselves by eating gachak and peanuts.
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Celebrations at subdivision court
Jagraon, January 12 Judges Mandeep Kaur Bedi and Ranjeev Kumar Vashist congratulated the advocates on the occasion. The new team of the Bar association with president Raghubir Singh Toor, vice- president Ranjit Singh Roomi, and Jagpal Singh Buttar thanked the judges for their participation and wishes.
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Dhanda meets MC officials
Ludhiana, January 12 Dhanda asked the officials to divide the work on the basis of urgency and give preference to the most urgent ones. Besides, he also asked officers to call tenders for various works in small groups as the contractors were facing problems in depositing earnest money and that was the reason why the civic body was getting less number of tenders for various projects. He would once again convene a meeting after two days to review the pace of work on his directions. Municipal councillor Inderjit Singh Gill from ward No. 45 said, "Dhanda had convened this meeting to check the status of various projects which were passed by the Chief Minister during the sangat darshan." He had also asked the officials to keep luxury projects like fancy lights, wooden flooring of stadium at bay for the time being and focus on basic amenities which were necessity of the residents.
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CM assures financial aid to GNN College
Doraha, January 12 The college has proposed expansion of the college library and construction of the Information Technology block. Chief Minister assured the deputation that he would give financial aid, as promised to the college on the occasion of inauguration of Dr Ishwar Singh Memorial Hall. Maheshinder Grewal assured that a grant of Rs 2 lakh already announced by him will be reaching the college very soon.
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100 pc result in MCA
Mandi Gobindgarh, January 12 The result was declared recently by Punjabi University, Patiala. Out of the 55 students, 50 have passed their examination in first division, securing more than 60 per cent marks. It is credible that Amarjeet Kaur, daughter of Gurmej Singh, Puran Chand, son of Sadhu Ram and Tarun, son of Jeewan Kumar have secured first, second and third positions obtaining 86.83, 86.66 and 86.16 per cent marks, respectively. Dr Zora Singh, chairman and professor Shalini Gupta, director-general of the institutes, while congratulating the faculty and the students asserted the whole credit for this brilliant success must go to dedicated staff and hardworking students.
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Reporters' diary
True festive spirit
Though festivals have become modernised these days but there are families who still prefer to celebrate festivals in true religious fervour. Those living in the interiors invite their friends and families to celebrate, dance and dine together. On Lohri, family get together were seen giving a very different picture of society. Children and middle aged were seen flying kites, screaming and dancing to the tunes of the latest Punjabi and Hindi numbers. They were being served with Lohri specialties like gachak, bhugga and peanuts. A few women were seen demanding Lohri by singing "de mai lohri, jeeve teri jodi". We are still Indians, aren't we? Mistaken
identity
A male colleague was in for a surprise when he mistook a woman for his colleague. This woman was watching a match when the colleague went to her and patted her with a book. That was enough for the woman to burst out at the colleague and even threatened him of filing a suit against him. This was not all. When she learnt that this man was a journalist she started asking for his contact number so that she could file the case of physical assault against him. Poor guy had to take the picture of his colleague to make the woman understand that both looked alike. Joy of being
single
The people mostly enjoy the status of being single and I am a part of this group. The freedom and carefree attitude, which comes with this status, are some of the reasons why often-married people suggest bachelors and spinsters to tie a knot so that they could be relieved from this "happiness." Recently, even I became a victim of my single status, while I was sitting between a few friends most of whom were married. A discussion on adventures in life started and when I told my tales the 'J' factor started ruling the talk with most of them complaining about their lives. However, as soon as I finished my talk, I was at the receiving end with almost every one telling me about how life changes in a positive manner after marriage and teasing me for my status. As we left the restaurant, I saw a married couple fighting in their car in the parking lot and I heaved a sigh of relief, while others had a big laugh. Craze for size zero
Going slim is not only a fad among young girls but also among school going girls. One of my friend's nieces who studies in Class V is obsessed about becoming slim. Her idol is Kareena Kapoor and she wants to get a perfect zero figure like her. When her parents didn’t agree to her joining the gym she went on crash diet and resolved to eat fruits and salad only. At such an age when proper nourishment is required this little girl was eating only fruits and salads. Though her parents scolded her but she would not listen to her and says she want to wear dresses like Kareena, her favorite actress. Suddenly one day she was rushed to the doctor after she felt unconscious due to under nourishment. The media hype given to such issues sometimes take a toll on young minds. Too much flare was given to Kareena Kapoor going size zero which had adverse effect not only on young girls but on children as well. Who is
responsible?
While, majority of us are always cribbing about the menace of the stray cattle, particularly dogs, certain developments in real life force us to tend to the nature's gift. Recently, a bitch gave birth to six pups in New Lajpat Nagar and the pups could be seen shivering in the biting cold. The mother tried desperately to cover her kids, however, unsuccessfully. The good Samaritans in the neighbourhood could not stop themselves from getting warm covers from their house and provide a temporary relief in a corner of the park to the 'beautiful creation." At the same time, the human cribbing continues against the stray dog menace loitering the city streets. During a gathering at Punjab Agricultural University campus, recently, the group broke into a discussion on whose responsibility it was to manage the stray dogs
on the campus. "Municipal Corporation", said one. "PAU" said another. The dogs made merry chasing each other while the debate ended
inconclusively. Contributed by Kuldip Bhatia, Shivani Bhakoo, Kanchan Vasdev, Jyotika Sood,
Manav Ghuman, Sanjeev Singh Bariana
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Youth run over by mini truck
Jagraon, January 12 He was run over by a Mini Truck
(PB 31 C 8557) driven by Gurmeet Singh of Jodhewal Basti, Ludhiana. The victim died on the spot. On the complaint of Sukhwinder Singh of Ghuman village near
Patiala, the Dehlon police has registered a case against the accused under Sections 279, 304 of the
IPC. The accused was arrested today.
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Two killed
Khanna, January 12 The victims have been identified as Satwant Singh, a resident of Baddowal Beit village. He was hit by a vehicle near Gaggar Majra today. In another accident, Gurmukh Singh, a resident of Sheriyan village, was in the car being driven by Bhupinder Singh. The car skidded of the road and dashed against a tree. Gurmukh died on the spot.
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21-year-old dies in accident
Jagraon, January 12 He was brought to the Civil Hospital, Jagraon, where doctors declared him brought dead. The Jagraon city police has registered a case against an unidentified driver and vehicle.
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Kho-Kho Meet
Jagraon, January 12 It is pertinent to mention here that the team had won after 12 years. Under the able guidance of coach Sarla Chahal, the team managed to strike a bronze. By the way of their exemplary performance, three students of the team managed to enter the Punjab team to participate in All-India Inter-University Kho-Kho championship. Principal Dr Paramjit Kaur today felicitated the team and the coach after registering
their win. GCW clinch title Ludhiana: According to a press note, in the final, the Government College eves got the better of their opponents from Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Sector 26, Chandigarh to emerge as champions. Captain of the team, Anuradha along with Puja, Meeta, Ramandeep Kaur and Amritpal Kaur gave good account of themselves to steer their college to clinch the top honours. The members of the winning team were felicitated here today. Principal RK Aulakh, appreciated the girls for their performance.
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58 attend softball trials
Ludhiana, January 12 The trials were conducted to select the Punjab sub-junior softball teams, according to P N Passi, honorary secretary of the assocation. They will attend a coaching camp to be organised from January 24 to 30 that will be held on Holy Heart Public School campus, Sangrur, before final teams are announced for the 21st Sub-Junior National Softball Championship. The tournament is scheduled to be held at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh from February 2 to 7.
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While the kites kept soaring high as usual on Lohri, the spirit and festivities associated with the festival were missing due to numerous factors. First of all, there was a bit of confusion on the date. Traditionally, it used to be celebrated on January 13, while this time it is to be celebrated a day earlier. Most of the schools, as also government offices and banks were open which further marred the joy of festival for a large number of people. On the top of it all, prolonged power cut during the day, lasting from three-and-a-half hour to five- hour in different localities stood in the way of revelers. Blaring music and loudspeakers, which used to be a permanent feature of Lohri, were missing this time.