Happy Lohri: 2020: Narendra Modi wished "happiness and prosperity" to all
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes on the occasion of Lohri today. A festival that celebrates harvest in north India, Lohri is observed the night before Makar Sankranti or Maghi.
PM Modi tweeted, "Have a wonderful Lohri. May this special festival bring joy and good health in everyone's lives."
He also wrote, "Many congratulations to the people on Lohri. May this festival of zeal and gaiety bring happiness and prosperity in your life."
President Ram Nath Kovind's office also tweeted, "Lohri's greetings and best wishes to all Punjabi brothers and sisters in Punjab, India and the world. May this happy occasion and festival of Lohri brings happiness, excellent health and prosperity to everyone's life - President Kovind."
Welcoming longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere, bonfires are lit and folk songs are sung during Lohri and a puja parikrama is performed around the bonfire. This is followed by the distribution of prasad.
The joyous festival that celebrates the new harvest and marks the end of the winter season, is a major festival of Punjab. Lohri commemorates the passing of the winter solstice.