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Introduction to Lohadi
Himachal Pradesh is a picturesque state of India. This state is situated at the north western part of India. Himachal Pradesh is a wonderful hill state which is located at the interior part of the western Himalayas. There are numerous things to see in Himachal Pradesh. There are lakes, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, rivers, colorful flowers, wild animals, birds and many more things of beauty. In fact it is the heaven for the nature lovers. Mother Nature has blessed this state with much bounty. Along with the virgin natural territories, Himachal Pradesh has a rich and old cultural tradition too. Culture of Himachal Pradesh is mostly still unadulterated. The people of Himachal Pradesh have been able to maintain their own heritage and tradition. The unique cultural tradition of Himachal Pradesh can be seen in the numerous colorful fairs and festivals of the state. These festivals are celebrated at different times of the year. Lohadi in Himachal Pradesh is one of these various festivals. This is the festival celebrated by the local farmers. In Lohadi, Himachal Pradesh farmers pray to God for the prosperity of their lands.
Time of celebrating Lohadi
Lohadi is a winter festival. According to the Hindu calendar this festival takes place at the end of the month of Pausha. Every farmer sings songs and roams around the entire house of the village in the before month of this festival.
Description of Lohadi Festival
The song sung by the farmers has a specific name among the local people. This Lohadi song is called 'Lohkadiyan'. The rituals of Lohadi in Himachal Pradesh start a month before the actual festival. Lohadi is celebrated in each and every household of Himachal Pradesh. The people of each and every house of the village heartily receive the singers. The singers are offered food grains as gifts. After a one month long celebration, the actual day of Lohadi festival comes. On the night of Lohadi, some boys sing deer songs and a local boy disguises himself in the attire of a Deer, which is locally known as Harin. This 'human deer' dances about while the other boys continue singing deer songs. The program of singing and dancing continues for the entire night. Along with that bonfires are created before every house, where jaggery, sesame, rice and radishes are dropped to raise the fire. At the time of Lohadi festival special sweets and various delicious foods are prepared which is called Babru by the local people. Makar Sankranti day falls just after the day of Lohadi festival. On this day local girls sing blessing songs called Rajde. The local people take baths and have Khichadi, which is the ritualistic food of the festival. During this festival, married daughters are invited and they reserve some of the ritual food for the ancestors. In some parts of Himachal Pradesh, people dress themselves with the garlands made with dry fruits.
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indianholiday.com offers online information on Lohadi in Himachal Pradesh. The site offers you detailed information about the Fairs and Festivals of India.
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