I am simply amazed at the co-relation of cosmic events with individual life and values. Isn’t this infact one of the most astounding traits of Hindu Masters? And once this co-relation is brought about, thereafter these cosmic events become instrumental to remind us the best which we cherish & value.Of all the cosmic bodies Sun is the most glorious & important, thus every sun-centric cosmic event became very important spiritual, religious & cultural events.
Lohri is essentially a festival dedicated to fire and the sun god. It is the time when the sun transits the zodiac sign Makar (Capricorn), and moves towards the north. In astrological terms, this is referred to as the sun becoming Uttarayan.
Fire is associated with concepts of life and health. Fire, like water, is a symbol of transformation and regeneration.It is the representative of the sun, and is thus related, on the one hand with rays of light, and on the other with gold.It is capable of stimulating the growth of cornfields and the well being of man and animals.
It is also an image of energy and spiritual strength. That is why the Lohri fire gets sanctified and is venerated like a deity. On Lohri, people offer peanuts, popcorn and til (sesame seed), sweets made of til- chirva, gajak and revri – to propitiate fire as a symbol of the sun god.
The pious Gayatri Mantra is directed to Sun God to bless us with intelligence & wisdom
Now with all this gyaan, what better than an evening of celebration with friends and familycould make Lohri special !
Happy Lohri! Happy Harvesting throughout the year!
