Like other parts of the state, Lohri was celebrated with fervour and gaiety across Chenab Valley on Saturday.
Several functions were held in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts, wherein a large number of people participated and lit bonfires to celebrate Lohri, which marks the end of harsh winters.
In Kishtwar, the people of Semna Colony, Shakti Nagar, Tund, Zelna village, Pochhal, Matta, Palmar, Padder and other areas organised functions to celebrate the festival, in which the shopkeepers and locals participated. Folk songs in Kishtwari language were sung and bonfires were lit on the occasion.
Several local politicians and social activists also extended their greetings to the people of the district in particular and state in general.
Similarly, in Bhaderwah, a number of rituals were performed during the celebratory functions. People offered walnuts, groundnuts, sesame seeds, rewaris, corn, jaggery and several other items into the fire, while singing and dancing around it. They dance basically marks the end of the cold winters and is welcome to the season of fruitfulness, spring and the new year (as per the Bikrami Calendar).
On the occasion, strong community bond was generated by the people of all communities as they came together to have fun, exchange sweets and greetings.
At Bhaderwah, the main function was organized at historic Seri Bazaar, where a huge bonfire was lit and people from all sections of the society participated to celebrate Lohri.
However, to thwart any untoward incident, elaborate security arrangements were made in and around Bhaderwah town.
In Ramban district, several functions were held, in which local folk groups, youth as well as children performed dances.
(With inputs from Tahir Nadeem Khan Yusafzai, MM Parvaiz)