13th January - LOHRI

Yesterday was Lohri, an extremely popular winter festival in India, especially North India. Lohri is celebrated mostly on 13th of January, one day before Makar Sankranti, with friends and family who get together and have a bonfire in the evening. Lohri signifies onset of intense winter especially in Punjab and surrounding areas. Cold weather is good for wheat hence farmers celebrate Lohri so that their crops lead to a good harvest.

During the day, children go from door to door singing folk songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti, a thief in folklore who helps the poor and fights for their rights. These children are given sweets and savories, and occasionally, money. These collections are known as Lohri, and they are distributed at night during the festival. Some may be offered to the sacred fire. Peanuts, popcorn and other food items are also thrown into the fire as an offering to the God of Fire, Agni.

(Informations taken from wikipedia)