– MEDINAH, Ill.
The Lohri harvest festival was celebrated Jan. 13 at the Hari Om Mandir here. Despite the chilly night and icy roads, the temple was filled with devotees.

There was continuous singing of Lohri songs in Punjabi with funny interpolations to greet and mock various dignitaries present.  Board of Trustees Chairman Ayodhia Salwan took a lead role in the singing and ensuring that other officials, such as temple President Brij Sharma, also joined the dancing with their spouses.

Before the main shrine was a replica of an idyllic village. At the height of the celebrations, young and elderly women alike, some carrying babies in their arms, danced vigorously before the assembly, as is done back in the Punjab. Guests enjoyed a simple but typical harvest-time dinner of sarson ka saag, makki di roti, dal and lassi.

The traditional Lohri bonfire was built outside the temple entrance. The celebration culminated with aarti and the distribution of prasad.