People rejoice, kites fly high as Lohri festivities take over

The people in Ludhiana and Malerkotla were overjoyed as they celebrated Lohri on Tuesday by flying kites and gathering around traditional bonfires.

The children were elated as they climbed rooftops and pulled on kite strings, all while smiling and sharing the joy among all.

The elderly used the day to spend time with one another and their families, sharing memories they have from festivities in their time.

The Department of Extension Education and Communication Management, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organised a vibrant celebration of “dhiyan di Lohri” (festival of daughters) at the Badhel village. The celebrations were led by department head Ritu Mittal Gupta. It brought together students, faculty members and villagers to celebrate the harvest festival with warmth and enthusiasm.

The event included a ceremonial bonfire. The attendees gathered around and offered rewaris, peanuts and popcorn, symbolising gratitude for nature’s bounty.

Lectures, poems, folk songs and energetic giddha, dedicated to girl children, added to the festive spirit, reflecting Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Preeti Sharma, associate professor, emphasised the importance of connecting academic institutions with rural communities. “Celebrating dhiyan di Lohri in the village is a way to honour our traditions and motivate villagers to save girl children,” she said, adding that girls play a vital role in families, society and the nation.

“A girl is not only a daughter, but also a future mother, leader, educator and a contributor to social and economic development,” she added.

Mandeep Sharma, assistant professor, said these celebrations strengthen their bonds with the local communities. Sharma added that girl children are central to social harmony and cultural continuity. “Women nurture values, preserve traditions, and promote compassion and resilience within families and communities,” Sharma said, adding that such events allow students to experience their cultural roots beyond classroom learning.

The organisers distributed small kits to the newly born girls of the village. Fruit plants were given to their families.

‘Will work to root out social evils’

In Malerkotla, residents, including office-bearers and activists of social and religious organisations, vowed to work together for eradication of social evils such as gender bias, drug abuse and violence.

An oath was taken in response to a call made by Malerkotla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gagan Ajit Singh during the concluding session of a Lohri function at Police Lines. It was organised under the banner of Sanjh Kendra.

Function’s convener Surinder Pal Singh said the police felicitated newborn girls and outstanding girl children from cop families as well as other sections of the society.

SSP Singh called upon the rank and file of the department and the activists to aid the district police in its crusade against social evils such as drug abuse and violence.

Similar functions were organised by several social organisations, including the Rotary Club, Ahmedgarh Welfare Association, Lions Club, Mundey Ahmedgarh Dey and Samay Sewa Society.

The celebrations were noticeably grander in families recently blessed with gild children, hinting at a positive trend in the state’s journey towards gender equality.