Members of Punjabi community pay homage to the gods for a prosperous New Year during Lohri festival in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 14: ‘Sundri mundri hai! Hoi! Tera kaun bechara! Hoi! Dullah Bhatti Wala! Hoi! Dullah Di Dhi Viyahi! Hoi!’

Members of the city’s Punjabi community lighted the holy fire and danced to the tune of Punjabi songs to celebrate Lohri. The festival, organised by Punjabi Arya Sanatan Biradri, was celebrated with joy and fervour on the Arya Samaj premises in the city on Thursday night.

The tradition of celebrating Lohri goes back to Dullah Bhatti, a Muslim highway robber who lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal king Akbar. Bhatti robbed the rich, but rescued Hindu girls being forcibly taken to be sold in slave markets. “He also arranged their marriages to Hindu boys,” said a member of the Punjabi community.

“Every Lohri song has words to express gratitude to Dullah Bhatti and these are sung after the bonfire is lit,” said Supriya Sharma, a young girl.

Lohri, is believed to be the north Indian counterpart of Pongal or Sankranti to felicitate the Sun god, explained some. “It is a significant day for the Punjabis since it is considered auspicious to offer obeisance to the Sun and Agni or god of fire.”

The festival is celebrated by lighting a small bonfire around which all gather. They move around the fire throwing popcorns, flat rice, peanuts, pulses, jaggery, sesame seeds and other edible items,” said Namrata Chaddha, women’s rights activist.

On Thursday, people recited hymns, sang Lohri songs and performed the traditional Gidda around the bonfire while drums played in the background. Children, youngsters as well as adults worshipped the fire wishing for a prosperous new year ahead.

A lavish platter of dinner was laid out in authentic Punjabi cuisine. From the delectable sarson da saag combined with makei di roti and a number of dishes like gajrela, dal makhani, paneer ki sabzi and so on.

Men and women performed on the stage to the tune of Punjabi folk songs. Children too participated in the gala event. The kids also walked the ramp, danced and performed at the event.

People from all communities participated in the festival. “The festival is a joyous event and a great occasion to be here with our friends,” said Dipak Kumar Parida, a college student.