Lohri celebrations across the classes

Lohri is a popular Punjabi folk festival, celebrated on 13 January each year. Hindus traditionally light bonfires and sing and dance together as to mark the Winter Solstice and the onset of longer days.

The Pre-schoolers celebrated the festival with a storytelling session on "Why we celebrate Lohri?". The children then tried their hands at a bonfire hand painting activity using poster colours. Also an art presentation using peanut shells.

The Pre Primary students were told the significance of both Lohri and Pongal.  They attempted bonfire craft. Folk songs were played to mark the mood and the students danced to the energetic rhythm.

Class 1 students celebrated the festival with  fervour. An audio-visual clip on the significance of Lohri was shown and Lohri songs were taught in class.  The children also discussed Pongal and drew bonfires and kites in their art files. They wished their peers and chewed on popcorn and peanuts in gay abandon.

Class 2 students were told about the festival and the values that it reinforces. Students watched a video on Lohri and also made beautiful posters on the theme. 

Lohri was celebrated in class 3. The students recited poems and sang folk songs to bring in the festivity in their online classes. They were shown a video on how this festival is celebrated by different names in the different parts of our vast country. They made colourful posters and bit into popcorn, peanuts and other savouries as they shook a leg to some enchanting and vibrant Punjabi folk songs.

To commemorate the day, the students of class 4 set up food stalls showcasing the different culinary delights associated with the festival such as jaggery, gajak, rewari along with peanuts, popcorn and til. The students shared the health benefits of each item. They shared with their classmates how they celebrated Lohri at home. Students also made to portray scenes of Lohri.

Class 5 students celebrated this famous festival of Punjab, by making their own 'Lohri puja plate' to showcase a scene from the Punjab. They placed dolls, kites and bonfire setups on the plate with traditional treats like popcorn, peanuts and sweetmeats of til to celebrate the festival with the family. This craft activity not only enabled the children to learn more about the festival and its traditions but also allowed them to attract their family members to celebrate with them.

Class 6 students celebrated Lohri by discussing its significance. The students were encouraged to describe what they know about the festival and watched a video of its celebration.

Class 7 students enthusiastically participated in the celebration sharing stories about their experiences of this festival. Some students spoke to share how they will be celebrating at home. Students were shown images and videos explaining the significance of the festival.

Class 8 students were shown a video where they were told about the relevance of  Lohri and how is it celebrated. They were told that it is considered the coldest night of the year, one which marks the end of the winter season.

Festivals teach us to forge new bonds and camaraderie. They also teach us to respect our culture and traditions.  Lohri is the long awaited festival of Punjab, one that spreads the message of love and unity among the people. The people on the occasion bond together, sing, dance and enjoy the celebration. They also spend time with family and friends accompanied by delectable food and sweet dishes traditionally prepared on the occasion.