The Jai Jais Blog

Happy Onam

by Sunita Shah

According to Vaishnava scriptures, King Bali defeated the Gods and began ruling over all three worlds. King Bali was a demon king who belonged to the Asura tribe. The Gods got insecure of King Bali’s popularity and asked Lord Vishnu to step in and help contain Bali. It is said that the great king was sent to the underworld by Vamana (5^th Avatar of Lord Vishnu), but was given an allowance to visit his people once a year, hence Onam. The festival celebrates the return from the underworld of King Bali, who was considered a great ruler. Legend has it that when Bali ruled, there was no discrimination based on caste, and there was no corruption or crime.

Harvest Hindu Festivals King Bali Lord Vishnu Onam

What is Lohri?

by Sunita Shah

Lohri is celebrated on the 13^th January each year. The Punjabi festival of Lohri marks the end of winter and is traditionally associated with harvest of the Rabi crop. All the farmers get together in order to thank god for giving them such a wonderful harvest. The day after Lohri is “Maghi” the Punjabi farmers financial New Year.

The rituals related to Lohri symbolise the attachment of the people with Mother Nature. The period between January 13 and July 14 is considered prosperous by Hindus. According to the Bhagawad Gita, Krishna manifests himself 'in his full magnificence' during this time. It has been also told that Holika and Lohri were sisters. While the former perished in the Holi fire, the latter survived with Prahlad, the story of Holi.

So what is Lohri and how is it celebrated?

Bonfire Festivals Harvest Lohri Punjabi The Holy Fire