CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir in Medina, a northwest suburb of Chicago, celebrated Lohri with traditional cultural dance and bonfire on Saturday, January 12 with traditional fervor and enthusiasm.
A large number of devotees attended the Lohri function in the Mandir from 4 pm and stayed until the bonfire and Aarti at 9 pm. The celebration was not limited to lighting bonfire but traditionally dressed ladies danced through the hall carrying a Gaggar (pot) decorated with lighted candles and singing jaago song “Jattan Jag Bhai hun Jago Aaya”. Ajay Ghai and his melodious Dhol beats could not stop folks to start Bhangra.
The devotees witnessed a lively night of blazing bonfire. At the time of bonfire the two priests chanted prayers for Agni Devta to seek abundance and prosperity. Devotees gathered around the bonfire throwing Rewari, Chidwa, peanuts and popcorns into the flames of the bonfire and making merry by dancing and singing traditional folk songs.
A week before Lohri the preparations started including decorating the Mandir. A nicely decorated Punjabi Beda (village) was created with straw blocks, Chullah, Charkha (spinning wheel), fresh vegetables, 6 foot long sugarcanes and many small decorative items created a Punjabi village atmosphere. Lohri is also one of the most celebrated harvest festivals in Punjab. It is the time for people to thank God for his kindness and for a plentiful harvest in the coming season. It is a time for communion celebration.
Devotees relished popcorns, Gajak, Revari, Bhugga and peanuts as prasad. The next event is Maha Shiv Ratri on Thursday, February 27.
Asian Media USA
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