4 interesting legends behind the name Lohri
As Indians, we are aware that most festivals, especially the Hindu ones, such as Dussehra, Diwali and Holi do not fall on specific dates, but instead follow a “tihti” or a “muhurt” and keeps shifting dates every year. However, the Sikh festival Lohri mostly falls on 13th January, this year being an exception, as instead of happening a day ahead of Makar Sankranti, it has coincided with it. Nevertheless, the festival that is widely celebrated in Punjab, marks the end of harsh winters in North India as well as the arrival of spring and brand-new harvest season (rabi crops are grown during this time).
Now, most people are familiar with the legend behind the origin of Lohri. However, not many people know the stories behind the name ‘Lohri.’ Today, as you gear up to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Lohri, we have decided to trace back the legends behind its name.
The legend of Goddess Lohri
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lohri is the sister of Holika, who is celebrated on the festival of colours, Holi. Okay, but how did Lohri become the inspiration behind a Sikh festival? Well, as it turns out, the people of Punjab celebrate Lohri with bonfires and often worship Agni, the god of fire. The motive is simple: To mark the end of harsh winter and welcome the advent of summer. Now, here where it gets interesting. Legend has it that Lohri was the wife of Agni, and it was on Agni’s command that the Sikhs chose to name the festival after her.
Named after Sant Kabir’s wife
Kabir Das or Sant Kabir as he is widely known was a 15th century Indian mystic, saint, reformer and poet. While he greatly influenced the Bhakti Movement of Hindus, he also inspired the values and principles of Sikhism. In fact, his verses are found all across Sikh scriptures such as Guru Granth Sahib and Satguru Granth Sahib. Legends have it that he himself was greatly inspired by his wife who was named Lohi. And it was Lohi who had in turn motivated the name Lohri.
Combination of til and rorhi
If you are a Sikh or are familiar with the Sikh culture, you would know that on the event of Lohri, they prefer to eat ‘til’ or sesame seeds along with ‘rorhi’ or jaggery. Food historians believe that it was a combination of the two words ‘til’ and ‘rorhi’ that was often used to refer to the traditional Lohri dish called ‘tilorhi’. This eventually got abbreviated into Lohri.
Named after Punjabi tava
If you are fond of Punjabi cuisine such as tadka and roti, you must know that they are made in customised Punjabi tava called ‘loh.’ In fact, this big iron griddle is popular for making chapattis during communal feasts. Regardless, the term ‘loh’ actually comes from the Punjabi word for warmth or light of fire. Legends have it that Lohri’s emphasis on fire earned it its name.