Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in the state of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of longer days. Lohri is usually celebrated on the 13th of January each year. One traditional story associated with Lohri revolves around a person named Dulla Bhatti, who lived during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. Dulla Bhatti was a hero among the Punjabi people, known for his courage and generosity.
According to the legend, Dulla Bhatti was a Robin Hood-like
figure who rescued girls from being forcibly taken away and sold as slaves.
Lohri is associated with several historical stories, but the
main folklore connected to it is that of Dulla Bhatti, a courageous warrior
during the Mughal era who stood against the increasing atrocities of the
Mughals. It is said that a Mughal commander wanted to forcibly marry two
Brahmin girls, Sundari and Mundari. However, their engagement took place
elsewhere, and due to fear of the Mughal ruler, the girls' in-laws were not
ready for the wedding.
In this time of crisis, Dulla Bhatti assisted the Brahmin
and, by convincing the boy's family, orchestrated the marriage of Sundari and
Mundari by lighting a fire in a forest. Dulla himself performed their wedding
and gave them away in marriage. It is said that as a token of good luck, Dulla
gave them sugar as a blessing. This narrative is celebrated in the Lohri song
sung on the day of Lohri, acknowledging the benevolence of Dulla Bhatti.
Lohri Song
Dulla Bhatti wala ho, Dulle ne dhee byahi ho.
Ser shakkar payi-ho, kudi da laal pataka ho.
Kudi da saalu phata ho, saalu kaun samete ho.
Chacha choori kutti ho, zamindara luttii ho.
Zamindar sudhaye-ho, bade pole aaye ho
Ik pola rah gaya-ho, sipahi phad ke le gaya ho
Sipahi ne mari eent, bhawen ro bhawen pit,
Saannu de do Lohri, jive teri jodi.
Saade pairan hath rod, saanu cheti-cheti tor,
Saade pairan hath dahi, asin milna vi nahi,
Saade pairan hath parat, saanu utto pai gayi raat
De mai Lohri, jive teri jodi."
This lively Lohri song celebrates the festival and includes references to Dulla Bhatti, the rituals of Lohri, and wishes for the well-being of couples.