Covid fails to dampen Lohri spirit in Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 13

The threat of a new Covid-19 strain failed to dampen the Lohri festivities in Chandigarh as vendors selling firewood, sweets and other accessories reported good sales.

While residents’ welfare associations did not hold ‘sanjhi’ (common) Lohri events, people in the city preferred to light firewood in more personal and intimate gatherings to celebrate the festival.

Lakhbir, a firewood seller near Sector 32-33 roundabout, said: “We sold 8 quintals of wood. We have been setting up a shop here for the past four years. I have earned a profit of Rs2,000 a day.” Lakhbir sells firewood for Rs15 to Rs20 per kg.

Another vendor Sachin Kumar in Sector 18 said: “We sold about three quintals of firewood in a day. The business has been good.”

Sukh Sehaj Singh, a resident of Sector 44, said: “Though we don’t have the sanjhi Lohri festivities here this time, we are celebrating at our homes with friends.”