As winter nights glow with crackling bonfires, Lohri once again stands as a symbol of warmth, renewal, and gratitude. This cherished harvest festival encourages reflection, togetherness, and hope. This year, celebrities are opening up about what Lohri truly means to them. From thoughtful reflections to nostalgic food memories, here’s a closer look at their Lohri diaries and the emotions that make the celebration so special.
Harleen Reikhi: Embracing Change With Gratitude
For Harleen Reikhi, Lohri serves as a gentle reminder that change is inevitable and necessary. Just as winter fades, difficult phases in life also pass. The festival, therefore, symbolises warmth, light, and fresh beginnings.
Moreover, in an otherwise hectic routine, Lohri encourages gratitude. It offers a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey and the people who matter most. Adding to the joy are family gatherings and festive flavours. Even today, makki di roti, sarson da saag, and jaggery-based sweets remain her favourites, instantly bringing back cherished childhood memories.
Harpal Singh Sokhi: Celebrating Hard Work and Abundance
Similarly, chef Harpal Singh Sokhi views Lohri as a celebration of effort and reward. Just as farmers thank nature for a good harvest, he believes individuals should thank life for the results of their hard work.
Furthermore, Lohri symbolises optimism, hope, and longer, brighter days ahead. According to him, gratitude keeps one grounded and humble. Unsurprisingly, food holds deep emotional value for him. Sarson da saag, makki di roti, gur, rewari, and peanuts effortlessly transport him back to simple, cosy winter meals shared with family.
Kanwar Dhillon: A Festival of Hope and New Beginnings
For Kanwar Dhillon, Lohri goes beyond being a festival. Instead, it represents hope. It marks the end of a slow, cold phase and the beginning of brighter times.
In the same way, he compares Lohri to life’s own winters, reminding himself that nothing lasts forever. Consequently, the festival encourages him to pause and feel thankful for his journey, work, and loved ones. Rewadi, gajak, and sarson da saag with makki di roti remain close to his heart, along with fond memories of sitting around the bonfire with family.
Rinku Dhawan: Finding Strength in Transition
Meanwhile, Rinku Dhawan believes Lohri beautifully captures the essence of transition. Life, much like the seasons, moves through phases of struggle and comfort.
As a result, the festival promotes gratitude and positivity. She feels that being thankful brings contentment and reduces complaints. Lohri provides that much-needed moment of introspection. Til laddoos, peanuts, warm kheer, and homemade gajak are her festive favourites, often reminding her of joyful family gatherings after the Lohri pooja.
Parakh Madan: Holding On to Tradition and Hope
For Parakh Madan, Lohri symbolises reassurance and fresh beginnings. It reinforces the belief that light always follows darkness.
Additionally, the festival encourages mindfulness and gratitude. It reminds one to appreciate health, family, and career before moving ahead. Being Punjabi, Lohri has always been celebrated with great enthusiasm in her home. Even today, memories of traditional attire, homemade food, til-gud sweets, revdi, popcorn, and dancing around the bonfire instantly bring a smile to her face.
