RAVI KIRAN YADAV

Northern India celebrates Lohri today (Thursday, Jan 13). Other regions of the Subcontinent celebrate Makar Sankranti - also variously called Maghi, Bihu or Pongal - Jan 14-15.

The origins of the festival are many. Some people believe the festival began as a celebration of the eve of winter solstice. For several others, it is the festival of the rabi crop harvest.

The name behind 'Lohri' is also interesting. The eating of til (sesame seeds) and rorhi (jaggery) is considered to be essential on Lohri day. Some surmise ... Read more »