SRINAGAR: The vibrant festival of Lohri, marking the end of winter in the plain of the erstwhile state and the beginning of longer days, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Jammu. A festival deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Dogra and Punjabi communities, Lohri has become a symbol of unity, joy, and tradition in the region.
In Jammu, the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan witnessed spirited celebrations as workers gathered around the sacred bonfire. Offerings of til, gajak, gur, and popcorn were made, symbolising gratitude and new beginnings. Addressing the gathering, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu Province (JKNC), highlighted the importance of fostering harmony and brotherhood through such festivals, describing them as a repository of Jammu and Kashmir’s timeless ethos.
The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) hosted another notable Lohri event, bringing together women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the Jammu Division. At the heart of the celebration was the showcasing of Dogri cuisine and crafts, offering tourists a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural traditions. Mission Director Dr Shubhra Sharma underscored the significance of empowering rural women, stating that such events not only celebrate tradition but also nurture self-reliance and collective growth.
Poonch witnessed its own vibrant Lohri festivities, with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) collaborating with various government departments to set up stalls and exhibitions. The event, inaugurated by Assistant Commissioner Revenue Qadeer Ul Rehman, showcased local crafts and agricultural products, celebrating the region’s resilience and unity.
In Srinagar, leaders from across the political spectrum extended warm greetings on the occasion. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his message, emphasised Lohri’s role in fostering joy and togetherness, expressing hope that the festival would usher in peace and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary echoed similar sentiments, urging people to consign hatred to the metaphorical fire and work collectively for progress.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also conveyed his best wishes, describing Lohri as a celebration of abundance and joy. Through a heartfelt message, he called upon communities to cherish their shared heritage and the bounties of nature.
Adding to the festive spirit, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organised a grand cultural event at Kala Kendra. The programme, graced by DIG Jammu Shiv Kumar and Secretary JKAACL Harvinder Kour, featured enthralling performances, including the traditional Haran dance and Dogri folk songs. Shiv Kumar lauded the festival’s unifying essence, while Harvinder Kour emphasised the role of cultural events in preserving the region’s rich traditions.
With bonfires, music, and shared festivities, Lohri celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir served as a vibrant reminder of the region’s cultural unity, its rich heritage, and the enduring spirit of togetherness.
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