Chandigarh- Punjab's vibrant harvest festival, Lohri, was celebrated with great fervour at Anaj Bhawan in Sector-39 here today. Led by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the event saw a gathering of the entire department which came together to mark the beginning of the harvest season.
The festivities kicked off with the lighting of a bonfire, which filled the atmosphere was filled with the sound of traditional music and dance. During the celebration, participants savoured traditional sweets and snacks such as rewri, gajak, and popcorn. The bonfire was lit with great enthusiasm, and the employees sang folk songs and danced around it, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
The Minister said that Lohri is a significant festival in Punjabi culture, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It's a celebration of community bonding, gratitude, and the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. The festival is also associated with the legend of Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero of Punjab who played a stellar role in saving the women.
Earlier, the Minister also chaired a meeting with the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) and appreciated them for ensuring a successful Paddy procurement season despite floods ravaging the State. The Minister also directed the DFSCs to exhort more and more people to get their e-KYC done to continue availing the benefits under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Member Punjab State Food Commission Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Directors Food Supply Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar, Ajayveer Singh Sarao and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar.