Lori

Lori is the beginning of springIt's celebrated in Northern India. This holiday is lit bonfires as a symbol of the end of a hard winter. The fire is associated with Lord Agni (Fire). Around him, a parikram is performed - a clockwise roundabout, and they repeat "well-being will come and need will be expelled." After the parikrama, prasad is distributed – food offered to God and gifts.

Lori’s arrival is marked by family members fasting and offering gifts to each other. In the evening, a feast is held, usually not vegetarian. Throughout the night, dances and songs continue around the campfire. On a festive morning, children go door-to-door and sing songs demanding “redemption” – money or sweets, which is very reminiscent of the Slavic tradition of caroling. This ransom is called Dulha Bhatti and the song is the price. The day following Lori is called Maghi, which marks the arrival of the month of Magh, or March. On this day it is considered favorable to take a bath in the Ganges. On this day, sweets are also prepared, usually sweet rice.

On this holiday you can see the traditional Punjabi dance Bhangra. Only men participate in the dance.