Lohri beat te...

Gurvinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 13

While bonfires made celebratory sputters after popcorns, rewris and peanuts were thrown into it in the evening, the sound of kites fluttering the sky added to the music of revellers’ ears in the day to celebrate Lohri. 

Residents were seen collectively celebrating the festival in different areas of the city. Some localities had organised joint celebrations. Residents gleefully danced to the beat of dhols along bonfires at dark. “The warmth of bonfires during Lohri brings a special elation which is unmatched,” Vikrant, a resident of Dugri area, said. Special celebrations were held at homes for newborns and newlywed couples. 

Instances of people singing Lohri songs have become less and they bank on DJs now. “Of course, the joy of olden days of the festival was much better. All children used to ask for Lohri from neighbours, but it has changed now,” said Sudha, a resident, adding: “But this still is my favourite festival as it brings communities and neighbourhoods together and fosters a culture of togetherness. In many other festivals, celebrations involve the exchange of gifts or are restricted to families.” 

Kite-flying was not done in posh localities due to declining interest amid concern and ban on plastic kite-strings, the sky turned colourful in the old city area, where children and grownups alike were seen flying kites together, celebrating the quaint tradition of kite-flying, as was done in the days of yore.