Ludhiana: Lohri, which is to be celebrated on Wednesday, is likely to be a low-key affair across the district, especially in villages, in view of the ongoing farmers’ agitation.
Lohri marks the end of winter, a time when the sun heads to the north and shines stronger to prepare the climate for the new crops, which are to be sown soon. On this day, families gather in the evening, lit bonfires, celebrate the festival by singing and dancing around the fire.
“During past years we used to celebrate Lohri with pomp and show and would even dance, but this year is different. There is not much scare of Covid-19 in the villages, but we have decided not to celebrate the festival as we are agitating against the farming laws. So, there is not much to celebrate as our brothers are there agitating in cold, away from homes,” said Manjeet Singh, a prominent villager of Nathowal village.
“A number of farmers have died during the agitation. In our villages half of villagers move here and there due to the ongoing agitation. A festival is celebrated with happiness but as farmers are fighting against the farming laws, so we cannot celebrate. Instead, villagers will burn copies of these laws on the day,” said Lakhvir Singh, sarpanch of Aitiana village.
Even as in the villages not many villagers seem to be in a mood to celebrate Lohri, but some people in urban areas will celebrate the festival. However, in the urban areas as well the farmers’ agitation finds support from a sizeable population.
“Lohri is a festival which is related with the state, so we will be celebrating it. However, celebration will be subdued as compared to previous years mainly because of ongoing farmers’ agitation,” said a Ludhiana resident asking not to be named.
Meanwhile, many farmers organisations have decided to burn copies of farming laws on Lohri.