PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
With Lohri to be celebrated on Tuesday, many in Dehradun, especially from the Punjabi community have prepared to celebrate the festival today. Markets including Paltan Bazaar and Gurdwaras have been decked up, some neighbourhoods are getting livelier and various families are preparing for the celebrations.
Street vendor Uday Thakur said on Monday that sales were modest in the early hours but were expected to rise later in the day. “People usually step out in the evening to buy popcorn, revdi and other traditional Lohri items. Since the festival is on Tuesday, we are hopeful that sales will pick up,” he said.
Speaking about the tradition, Doonite Gurmeet Singh said that the Lohri in Dehradun blends age-old customs with changing lifestyles. “Bonfires are lit, music is played and people visit each other’s homes. Earlier, Lohri was celebrated mainly in families with a wedding or the birth of a son but now every household celebrates it with equal joy,” he said.
Businessman Prince Panwar said that his shop is offering ready-made Lohri combo packs containing popcorn, peanuts, revdi, jaggery sweets and dry fruits. However, he added that sales of these packs have been modest. “Many customers still prefer buying items separately,” he said. “People like to check the quality themselves and choose quantities according to their preference. Loose items feel fresher and allow them to follow traditions properly.”
CM extend Lohri greeting to the people of the state
DEHRADUN: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greeted the public on the occasion of Lohri. In his message on the eve of the festival, the CM said that Lohri marks the arrival of a new crop, reflects gratitude towards nature and strengthens the bond of mutual brotherhood. Emphasising the cultural significance of folk festivals, he said that such occasions infuse new energy into life and showcase India’s tradition of celebrating all festivals with harmony and cooperation. He expressed hope that Lohri brings happiness, prosperity and well-being to every household.
