TV stars gripped with Lohri fever

Today is 13 January. Today is the day when most street corners in North India get lit with bonfires. Reason? Everyone comes together to celebrate the festival of Lohri, which commemorates the beginning of the sowing season. Though it is celebrated with extreme vigour and passion in Punjab, its magnificence and influence has touched the maximum city, Mumbai, as well. And guess what? Many TV actors are also quite kicked about the festival. Rohit Khurana aka Vansh of Uttaran says, “While Lohri is a rage in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Kashmir, it is not celebrated with that much passion in Mumbai. To the contrary, people here like to fly kites during Makar Sankranti. I still remember my younger days when at home we would gather around bonfires and eat til and nuts. We would also sing old Punjabi folk numbers and go around the village asking for money and sweets. It was fun. The festival has always been close to my heart.” On the other hand, Muskaan Mehani, who played a Punjabi character in Jugni Chali Jalandhar, is super excited today as the kids in her building have asked her to be the chief guest during the Lohri function. “I will go fully dressed in a traditional Punjabi attire (Patiaila) with my family and perform the ritual pooja in the garden area of my society. I just love it when we break the sugarcane, put it in the fire and then distribute it. Later, I hope to go to a party at my Punjabi friend’s place, who is a music director, and just chill,” says Muskan, who will soon get married. Furthermore, she adds that the best part of being an Indian is that one can enjoy different kind of festivals. “The festival is celebrated differently in different regions, Pongal (Kerala) and Bihu (Assam), yet the common strand is to pray to God for peace, prosperity and everyone’s happiness. I will specially pray to make sure that our hard working farmers don’t get plagued by the demons of droughts and floods this year.” Quite a thought, we must say. Amit Behl, who normally takes part in the Lohri festival at Shere Punjab Gurdwara, informs that in Mumbai places like Sion, Koliwada, Antop Hill, Lokhandawala and Mulund have a significant Punjabi population, hence celebrations take place with much pomp and glory. “In fact, my friend who came down from Delhi was impressed by the manner in which the local Mumbai community celebrates the festival with all the required rites and ritual ,” he says. However, Amit feels a bit disappointed with the younger generation who just want to booze and dance all night. “This is in complete contrast to our elders who did everything in a traditional way and also gave love and respect to all. However, since I hail from the generation of late early 40s, I can understand and empathize with both.” But he feels sad that the festival has lost its charm as most of North India is not agrarian anymore and industrialization has become the “mantra of the young and restless.” Well, we can’t help but agree. Handsome and sexy Aditya Redij, who is seen in Preeto, says that Lohri is one of his favourite festivals. “This year will be more fun as we have a slight Mumbai chill. We will be celebrating later in the evening on the sets of my show and I know it will be great fun. I wish everyone a happy Lohri.” Same to you, Aditya. Tellychakkar.com too wishes everyone a very happy Lohri!!!