गन्ने दे रस तों चीनी दी बोरी,
फेर बनी उसतों मीठी-मीठी रेवड़ी,
रल मिल सारे खाइये तिल दे नाल,
ते मनाइये अस्सी खुशियां भरी लोहड़ी
A much-celebrated folk festival, Lohri is an expression of gratitude towards the bounteous harvest of the year. Observed on 13th January, it also marks the traditional passing of the winter solstice, welcoming longer and sunnier days. Lotus Valley International School deeply connects with the fact that the soul of cultural heritage of India is, embracing confluence of traditions, customs and beliefs. Being a part of these beliefs inculcate positive emotions and endless gratification. Our learners from Grade Pre-nursery to Grade III expressed such emotions while celebrating Lohri with great fervour and enthusiasm.
The morning session of the day began with the crunching sounds of gur rewari, popcorn and moongphulli as Grade Pre-nursery and Nursery geared up with their baskets of Lohri offerings. The children witnessed the tradition behind the celebrations through an informative story video. The story also shared the relevance of festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti and their association with Lohri. A ‘bonfire’ Lohri craft added more colour to the celebrations and signified the Puja being performed on this day. Grade prep learners discovered the art of decorating a ‘Lohri ki thaal’ and intrigued by the food items in the ‘thaal’, each shared their learnings about them too. Foot-tapping Bhangra to the beats of the dhol and the lyrics of ‘Sunder Mundriye…’ was the highlight of the day and couldn’t have been missed as it would have left the commemoration incomplete.
Grade I learners delightfully created bonfire cards showcasing all the relevant harvest produce used on Lohri. All their inquisitiveness was handled by a short video that taught them the importance of a good harvest. The happiness quotient doubled when they secretly wrapped up popcorn to gift to their parents as a part of their gratitude drive. Dancing to the tunes of festive songs added more zeal and smiles to the existing ardour.
Videos and discussions illuminated learnings about Lohri amongst our curious Grade II learners. Excited to have learnt about the other similar festivals being honoured in the varied parts of the country, they felt a bigger sense of respect for our diverse cultures. The learners enjoyed the melodious tracks of the folk music and danced to their tunes too.
Grade III learners understood the significance of Lohri through stories and experiences shared through videos and discussions. They felt pride of the fact that the main aspect of the celebration is to overcome differences and together be thankful to the Supreme Being in different ways and under different festival names.
Highlighting the unity in diversity that defines our country, Lohri underlines our organic relationship with nature and brings prosperity and happiness to all.