Lohri & Makar Sankranti – The Festivals of Traditions

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Lohri is a quintessential festival that holds a lot of significance for Hindus, Punjabi and Sindhis, who celebrate it with a lot of enthusiasm. Lohri is celebrated every year on 13th January and marks the beginning of harvesting season of winter crops, and hence holds huge importance for farmers. Lohri also marks the end of winters and beginning of long sunny days, it welcomes spring and fruitful season.

Makar Sankranti is an ancient Indian festivals celebrated since times unknown, it is observed according to solar cycles, and marks the first day of the sun transiting into Makara(or the Capricorn). It signifies the end of winter months and beginning of longer days. Makar Sankranti falls on the next day of Lohri and is equally important. It is observed in various states with different names like Sankranti (Pedda Panduga) in Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti in Karnataka, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam etc. Many people take baths in holy rivers and pray to the Sun God on this day. Choorma, halwa, sweetened milk and sweets are made at home and distributed amongst neighbours and relatives. Newborns are given special gifts.

Lohri is a community festival, which is celebrated as the sun sets. People get together and a huge bonfire is made; groundnuts, gachhak, rewaris, sweets made of sesame and jiggery are made and distributed. People sing melodious rhymes pertaining to lohri and pray for a happy harvest and prosperity. Bhangra and Gidhha – the local dance forms are very popular and are performed during the lohri festival celebrations.

For us fashionistas, Lohri and Makar Sakranti mark glorious occasions to look our divine best, isn’t it? Especially for the newly wedded women, their first Lohri after marriage becomes all the more important.

Here are some fun and creative ideas to get ready for these traditional festivities.

Bright Patiala Suits

Going the Punjabi style is one of the best ways to get ready for the evening bonfire celebrations. Bright coloured Punjabi suits with Patiala salwars and flowing dupattas look gorgeous. Yellow is a prominent colour during this festival and many women wear it. You can go ahead with yellow, orange, green and red; plain Patiala suit with heavily embroidered dupatta or heavily embroidered suit with plain dupatta, you can opt for either.

Shararas/ Ghaghra Skirts with Short Kurtis

These are yet other traditional wear options that go well with festivals. Opt for bright colours, this is a season of happiness and colours. You would definitely want to express you happiness through wonderful colours.

Bangles

Bangles are really important accessory that you definitely must wear. Opt for colours matching with your attire or go for the metallic touch. Newlyweds can go along with their Chhoorha or the bright red set of bangles that they are gifted at the time of their marriage.

different variety of bangles for traditional festivals daily bees

Long Earrings and Maang Tikka

Go all out with these. You can certainly wear heavily embellished earrings. These days it is easy to find long earrings that are light in weight as well. Opt for them, they will up your traditional ethnic quotient by many times. And then comes the Maang Tikka – do not miss this. And I repeat- Do not miss this. This will complete your look and will make you stand out like a diva.

Long Earrings and Maang Tikka daily bees

Makeup and Hair-do

Bright lip colours, kohl rimmed eyes and dewy skin. You can never go wrong with it. Or go for smoky eyes, soft nude lips and contoured face, you are bound to stand out. Go for Judaas or top buns or soft waves. Waves are the in thing and look good on all face types.

Makeup and Hair-do for traditional look daily bees

So now that you know how to glam up, wait no more. Put your best foot forward and dazzle this festive season. Do let us know in the comments below on how you plan to style up yourself.

Happy Lohri and Happy Makar Sankranti everyone, have fun!