Indian festivals are usually celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar but Lohri, Sankranti and Pongal are the only festivals, which are celebrated according to the Solar Calendar. It is also a celebration of God Sun who provides us with warmth and light. At this time earth is farthest from Sun. But by this time earth starts its journey towards the Sun, and the auspicious period of Uttarayan begins. It signifies the end of long and dreary winter month (Paush) and the month of Magh begins. A year is divided into Uttarayan and Dakshinayan. Uttarayan is considered auspicious in Hindu beliefs. It is the time when Sun enters into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). It is believed that by invoking the God Sun, we can get rid of the winter and spring would return back on earth. The period of Uttarayan begins from14 January to 14th July.

Lohri is a festival, which is not complete without the songs about the Dulha Bhatti. According to the legends Dulha Bhatti was a daku (robber) he was bad for the rich and a god like figure for the poor in the region. It is said that during the reign of king Akbar, Dulha Bhatti used to save girls from being sold as prostitutes and get them married. He also arranged for their dowry. Punjabi’s still remember Dulha Bhati and pay tribute to his bravery by the beautiful folk songs, which are sung by the girls and women of the region. Bonfire celebrations are very ancient in the human history. Bonfire festival is also considered to be scientific way to get rid of harsh winters. Our forefathers used to collect and burn the wood. They would eat, drink, sing and dance around the bonfire to celebrate. This practice has survived in almost every culture.