It was heartening to watch women dancing to the beats of Dhols
Low temperatures and scary predictions of even colder climate ahead would dampen the spirit of residents in coming out to celebrate lohri 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 cosy homes!
The setting was perfect at the Community Centre lawn. A huge bonfire was set up. Residents 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 savories focussing 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! The RWCS team welcomed the visitors!
The function started with pooja performed as usual by Panditji. This was followed by lighting of the bonfire. 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.
The dhols were in place to add pace & vibrancy to the celebrations! It was heartening to watch few women dancing to the beats of Dhols and popular Punjabi songs by DJ, where as most of the men as always seemed happy with taking pictures.
And the high flames did succeed in keeping the cold at bay.
Arrangements had been made for food at Gangotri Hall. It consisted of makki ki roti, Sarson ka saag, and gajar ka halwa, for just Rs 150. People generally looked happy with the social bonding that such events invariably create!
