MOHALI: A rich cultural fiesta marked Lohri celebrations organised by the students at the Rayat Bahra University. Gaiety and merriment was in the air as the students danced in gay abandon in true festive spirit around a bonfire and girls performed gidha while the boy’s performed bhangra to the beat of drums.
The festivities kicked off with the traditional lighting of the bonfire by Gurvinder Singh Bahra, Chancellor Rayat Bahra University faculty members, staff, and students. The bonfire, a symbol of warmth and the end of the peak winter season, set the stage for a lively cultural program.
The students embraced the festive spirit by dancing around the bonfire, with girls performing the traditional Punjabi dance form of Gidha, and boys energetically engaging in the Bhangra, all accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums.
Gurvinder Singh Bahra took the opportunity to highlight the significance of Lohri, emphasizing its traditional association with the harvest of Rabi crops.
Speaking on the occasion, Gurvinder Singh Bahra said Lohri marks the end of peak winter and it is traditionally associated with the harvest of the Rabi crops. The time to harvest sugarcane crops is January and therefore Lohri is seen by some to be a harvest festival.
He praised the students for their exciting and enthusiastic performances, acknowledging their efforts in putting up a captivating show of dances and songs. The girl students' Gidha performance, complete with special Bolis of Lohri, added a cultural touch to the celebration.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by the shared enjoyment of traditional Lohri treats, including peanuts, rewari, and gajak.