Songs of Fire & Folklore
Lohri songs serve as a verbal repository of historical tales, immortalizing the story of Dulla Bhatti while commemorating themes of unity, courage, and appreciation with concise yet poignant lyrics.
More Than Just Melodies
Songs sung around the bonfire or while gathering Lohri from houses serve as a link between generations and impart lessons on bravery, kindness, and belief.
History
Honoring folk heroes like Dulla Bhatti who fought for justice.
Harvest
Expressing gratitude to nature for fertility and abundance.
Blessings
Showering love and good wishes on newborns and newlyweds.
The Most Famous Songs
1. Sundar Mundariye Ho
ਸੁੰਦਰ ਮੁੰਦਰਿਏ ਹੋ!
ਤੇਰਾ ਕੌਣ ਵਿਚਾਰਾ ਹੋ?
ਦੁੱਲਾ ਭੱਟੀ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੋ!
ਦੁੱਲੇ ਦੀ ਧੀ ਵਿਆਹੀ ਹੋ!
Translation:
Oh lovely Sundri, who will look after you? Dulla Bhatti is your guardian, ensuring his daughter's marriage with pride...
Significance: Acknowledges the bravery of Dulla Bhatti in safeguarding orphaned girls, while also calling for blessings for protection and promoting social responsibility.
2. Dulla Bhatti Ho
ਦੁੱਲਾ ਭੱਟੀ ਹੋ!
ਸ਼ੇਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਹੋ!
ਧਨੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਲੁੱਟਿਆ ਹੋ!
ਗਰੀਬਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੋ!
Translation:
O Dulla Bhatti! Brave warrior of Punjab! He plundered the wealthy and shared with the needy!
Significance: Honors defiance in the face of oppression and upholds the bravery and righteousness seen in Punjabi folk tales.
3. Ho Tera Kaun Vichara Ho
ਹੋ ਤੇਰਾ ਕੌਣ ਵਿਚਾਰਾ ਹੋ?
ਅੰਬਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਉਤਰਿਆ ਹੋ!
ਰੱਬ ਨੇ ਭੇਜਿਆ ਹੋ!
Meaning:
Who will shield you? Descended from above, God has dispatched a protector.
Significance: Shows trust in divine guidance and optimism, crucial during severe winters when reliance on nature was essential for survival.
Gratitude & Joy
Harvest Gratitude
ਆਦਿ ਆਉਣੀ ਲੋਹੜੀ ਵੇ,
ਵੇਖੋ ਜੱਟਾਂ ਦੀ ਜੋੜੀ ਵੇ...
Lohri is here, witness the solidarity of the farmers, Give sesame, indulge in treats...
Children's Collection
ਲੋਹੜੀ ਆਈ, ਲੋਹੜੀ ਆਈ,
ਜੀਵਣ ਜਗਾਇਆ, ਫਸਲ ਲਿਆਈ...
Lohri is here, Bringing prosperity and abundance, Offer coins, sesame seeds, and treats, Or the flames will play tricks on you!
Songs for New Beginnings
Linking Lohri to fertility, the perpetuation of family, and the honoring of life.
ਪੁੱਤ ਜੰਮਿਆ ਘਰ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਆਈ,
ਲੋਹੜੀ ਦੀ ਅੱਗ ਰੌਸ਼ਨਾਈ
ਲੰਮੀ ਉਮਰ, ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ,
ਵੱਸਦਾ ਰਹੇ ਇਹ ਘਰ ਸਦਾ
With the birth of a son, joy envelops the household, The Lohri flames burn brightly, Wishing for longevity and high spirits, May prosperity forever dwell in this home.