Indore: Marking the end of winter solstice, Lohri was celebrated across the city including Raj Mohalla, Sindhi Colony, Vijay Nagar, LIG and Khatiwala Tank on Sunday. The festival, celebrated with fervour specially by Sikh, Punjabi and Sindhi communities, was marked by bonfire in front of lawns, fields and even roads late at night. Despite chilly winds, the festive mood of lohri retained its warmth owing to its bonfire celebration. This auspicious occasion was celebrated by organising a huge bonfire around which gathered family members and friends. They enjoyed the feast along with singing folk songs and dancing. People went around the fire in reverence and then wished their friends and family happiness and prosperity by exchanging gifts and food items. Bhangra, gidda and Bollywood dances were performed to celebrate the occasion. This followed a traditional dinner of gajak, sarson-da-saag with makke-di-roti, radish, ground nuts and jaggery. Along with traditional delectable dishes, fruits and modern day sweets like waffles and cakes were surprises for youngsters, which were prepared by their mothers.
“It is important that we follow traditions but we must also adapt and bring changes that make the festival fun for everyone,” homemaker Harpreet Kaur said. She said making modern sweets would help her connect with her teenage daughter. “Lohri teaches us to burn away all sorrows and move into new season with positivity, hope and warmth in our hearts,” homemaker Meena Hinduja said. She shed light on songs sung for lohri, worshipped as lal loyi, that is, the fire element. “I like playing and dancing outside with everyone around the bonfire. It is much better than any camp fire,” 7-year-old Kanishka Lahoti said.