The Dhols were In Place To Add Vibrancy To the Celebration
The local RWA was apprehensive if the low temperature and scary predictions of even colder climate ahead would dampen the spirit of residents in coming out to celebrate! But the pent up demand for social events and need for performing the religious duty of doing parikrama around the holy fire pushed them out of their cozy homes!
The setting was perfect on the big lawns near the Community Centre. A huge bonfire was set up. About 130 people turned up consisting of residents’ families and friends! The seniors came well covered, but most youngsters were unmindful of the winter. Many elders reminisced of times when children would go from door to door singing ‘Dulla Bhatti wala ho, tera kaun….’ asking for savouries focusing on newlyweds and new born. But this tradition has sadly disappeared with time!
At the outset everyone made it a point to exchange Lohri greetings! Udai Shankar, the President, and others from the RWA welcomed the visitors!
The function started with pooja performed as usual by no other than IB Bansal, a prominent resident! This was followed by lighting of the bonfire. People then went around it to pay their respect!
JL Dhingra, Rahim and Roshan were busy distributing pea nuts, popcorn and rewari to all from the youngest to the eldest! Some like Arun Jain, Shalini Kapoor, Vandana Ahluwalia and others brought their own prasaad which seemed to disappear in no time. One could not but remember those residents who fell to Corona in the last few years!
The dhols were in place to add pace & vibrancy to the celebrations! And the high flames did succeed in keeping the cold at bay. People generally looked satisfied with the social bonding that such events invariably create!
