Bonfire, traditional Punjabi songs and a great meal were all part of the wonderful Lodi celebrations held at Sarvadev Mandir on Friday, Jan 13, 2017.  Over 200 people attended the event. 

 The traditional time to harvest sugarcane crops is January, therefore, Lohri is seen by some to be a harvest festival.  Punjabi farmers see the day after Lohri (Maghi) as the financial New Year. 

“At our temple, the Lohri celebrations have become very popular” says the founder Neelu Sharma.  The evening opened with a few bhajans by the temple Pandit. “We welcome anyone who wants to sing to come forward and  do so. We are very informal and would love to have your participation” announced Neelu Sharma. 

A few women who knew Punjabi songs lead a few popular numbers. Sunder mundriye ho!" , a traditional Punjabi number associated with Lohri was rendered along with other popular Punjabi songs.  The folklore--Sunder Mundriye--is actually the tale of a man called Dulla Bhatti, who is said to have lived in Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Being quite the 'Robin Hood' back in the day, Dulla Bhatti used to supposedly steal from the rich, and rescue poor Punjabi girls being taken forcibly to be sold in slave markets. He then went on to arrange their marriages to boys of the village, and provided them with dowries (from the stolen money). Amongst these girls were Sundri and Mundri, who have now come to be associated with Punjab's folklore, Sunder Mundriye.

The singing ended with the performance of the Aarti.  The attendees then went outside and lit the bonfire. Rewri and groundnuts were thrown into the fire. There was a lovely dinner catered by volunteers. 

The temple is a beautiful and welcoming place. It is definitely worth a trek to Oxford, MA.  Be it Janmashtami or Chathurti, do not forget to check this temple out at http://www.sarvadevmandir.org/