India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Lohri, the traditional winter solstice festival of Punjab, was celebrated at the Fremont Hindu Temple on Saturday, January 13 between 6 to 8 pm.
Dr. Romesh Japra, the Founder of the temple and the Publisher of India Post, addressed the gathering.
Lohri is celebrated one day before the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, which marks the passage of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn (Makar) according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and the onset of longer days in the Northern Hemisphere following the winter solstice (Uttarayana).
During this festival, the northern Indian region of Punjab is in the middle of cold winter. People gather round bonfires, and sing and dance and offer prayers to the Almighty.
The festival also marks the harvest season just like many other parts of India. Hindus give thanks to Surya (the Sun God) for the bountiful harvest. Sugarcane juice and nuts and sweets made with jaggery and nuts are staple delicacies that are served.
There are many other folk traditions associated with the festival.
Keeping tradition alive, the bonfire was lit at the temple, too, and many devotees attended, adding to the festivity.
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