Lohri Celebrations by RWCS
In line with keeping the festive spirits high, RWCS organised a community Lohri on the lawns on January 13th in the evening. A big bonfire was arranged, which was lit after the puja by the panditji. Residents took a parikrama of the holy fire and offered it popcorn, puffy rice, and rewari. A prasad of popcorn and moongphali in a brown paper bag was distributed to all present. A dance troupe and dholwala, all dressed in traditional Punjabi attire, trumped up the tempo with Lohri special songs. The chairs and sofas placed around the fire were soon occupied by some 100-plus residents who had turned up. People were seen greeting each other, hugging, and wishing each other. A little girl in a green jacket, Devishree, was seen politely walking up to each person to offer Prasad of popcorn, rewari, and peanuts from a brown container. She won the hearts of so many.
Laughter and joy filled the lawns as women were seen dragging their friends onto the dance floor, where a DJ belted out foot-tapping Punjabi songs. Savita Sahni of D-Block set the floor on fire with her dancing skills, her smile, and her charm. A special shout out to the dance troupe, which was seen engaging with the residents and encouraging them to dance. It was heartwarming to see them do simple steps so that young children could copy them and follow them. Most of the men present seemed content with their all-important roles of taking pictures and holding purses.
Arrangements had been made for food at Gangotri Hall. The dinner meal, consisting of makki ki roti, Sarson ka saag, khichdi, and gajar ka halwa, was available at Gangotri Hall for just Rs 100. The multiple tables and chairs were soon filled up as residents exchanged stories and made comments on how delicious the food was.
As the evening came to a close, the smiles on everyone’s faces made one think of the real message of Lohri: “Before the reward, there must be labour. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy.”
