On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Lohri with the public in New Delhi, spreading warm wishes and highlighting the festival's cultural significance. Lohri, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season, symbolizes prosperity and togetherness among people from all walks of life. The celebration was filled with joy and the traditional rituals of gathering around a bonfire, singing folk songs, and offering offerings for a successful and abundant year ahead.
Lohri 2025: A Festive Celebration of Harvest, Prosperity, and Unity
Background:
Lohri, an ancient Indian festival, is celebrated on January 13th or 14th every year to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Traditionally, the festival is observed in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Lohri signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is associated with the worship of the sun god, Agni, and the goddess of fertility, Lohri. According to folklore, bonfire is lit to symbolize the burning of the winter solstice and to welcome the longer days and warmer weather.
Significance of Lohri 2025:
On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Lohri with the public in New Delhi. He highlighted the festival's cultural significance and spread warm wishes for prosperity and togetherness. The celebration was marked by traditional rituals, folk songs, and the sharing of sweets.
The Lohri celebration in 2025 was particularly notable as it coincided with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resumption of large-scale public gatherings. The festival provided an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their heritage, and usher in a new year with hope and optimism.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. When is Lohri celebrated? Lohri is celebrated on January 13th or 14th every year.
2. What is the significance of the bonfire in Lohri? The bonfire represents the burning of the winter solstice and the arrival of spring. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
3. What are the traditional rituals of Lohri? The traditional rituals of Lohri include gathering around a bonfire, singing folk songs, offering prayers, and eating traditional sweets.
4. What is the connection between Lohri and the harvest season? Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season in North India. It is a time to celebrate the abundance of the harvest and pray for a successful year ahead.
5. What is the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lohri celebrations? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in Lohri celebrations on several occasions, highlighting the festival's cultural significance and spreading warm wishes for prosperity and unity among the people of India.
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In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
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