Sweet change: Baby girls get thumping Lohri welcome

CHANDIGARH: Nearly 50 families set an example by celebrating their newborn daughters' first Lohri. Traditionally, people celebrate the first Lohri of only a male child, but this year, celebrations heralded a much needed change in attitude towards daughters.
The 'Kudiyan Di Lohri' event was organized at Sukhna Lake by CITCO and a local FM radio channel. Celebrations included a dhol performance by Jahangeet and energetic bhangra and giddha.There was the characteristic Lohri bonfire, "gachak," peanuts and "rewari." "Traditionally, families welcome the male child with Lohri celebrations. But with changing times, families these days take great pride at the birth of daughters too," said A K Malhotra, general manager, CITCO.
Bhangra and Giddha to the beat of the dhol gave the evening a rare vivacity. Huge bonfires were lit. People circled the flames, offering puffed rice, popcorn and other goodies to the fire. Visitors also enjoyed winter goodies like "til," "gachak," jaggery, peanuts and popcorn. Artists Juggy-D, Geeta Zaildar and Rimz J performed on the occasion. Tourists and families out sightseeing joined in the celebrations. Rishika Sharma, a tourist at the lake commended the concept. "The event has cheered us up. Girls are as good as boys and should be welcomed," she said. Anshuman Mishra, a tourist and father of a 9-year-old daughter, said, "Why should celebrations be confined to boys? Girls are just as precious."