Chandigarh, January 12 – A state-level Lohri celebration was organised by the Haryana State Child Welfare Council at the District Bal Bhawan, Sonipat, where the Governor and Chairman of the Haryana State Child Welfare Council, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, his wife and Vice Chairperson of the Council, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, and the Chief Minister’s wife and Vice Chairperson of the Council, Smt. Suman Saini offered oblations into the sacred Lohri fire and extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasions of Lohri and Makar Sankranti.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that he was extremely delighted to be part of this joyful programme organised on the auspicious occasion of Lohri. He said that Lohri is not merely a harvest festival, but a celebration of life, nature and collective happiness. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, symbolising hope, prosperity and new beginnings.

The Governor said that the sacred Lohri fire reminds us of warmth, unity and gratitude towards the abundance of nature. Haryana is a land of rich traditions, deep-rooted values and a vibrant cultural heritage, which is reflected through folk songs, dances and traditional festivals.

He especially appreciated the participation of youth, stating that when young people connect with their roots, culture and heritage, the culture remains alive. Festivals like Lohri strengthen the values of sharing, respect for nature and collective responsibility. Concluding his address, the Governor wished for the prosperity of farmers, happiness of families and progress of the state and the country, and said that the warmth of the Lohri fire may fill every home with peace, health and joy. On the occasion, children from various schools presented impressive cultural performances.

‘Lohri festival is a beautiful example of unity in diversity of the country – Mitra Ghosh’

On this occasion, the state’s First Lady and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Child Welfare Council, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, extended heartfelt Lohri greetings and said that Lohri is a celebration of gratitude, nature and our deep bond with people. The festival also highlights Haryana’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity among its people.

‘Lohri is the soul of our culture and traditions; it connects us with nature: Smt. Suman Saini’

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s wife and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Child Welfare Council, Smt. Suman Saini, extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasions of Lohri and National Youth Day. She said that Lohri is the soul of our culture and traditions. It connects us with nature and brings happiness into the lives of hardworking people. Gathering around the sacred fire, singing songs and offering peanuts, revri and jaggery reconnect us with our roots.

She said that the festival of Lohri conveys a message of unity and brotherhood, where there is no discrimination of caste, religion, rich or poor—only humanity and joy prevail.

She further said that National Youth Day is celebrated today to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a great monk, thinker and inspiration for the youth of India. His immortal message, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved,” continues to inspire everyone to move forward. Swami Vivekananda described youth as the real strength of the nation; if the youth are strong, the nation becomes strong.

On the occasion, she also appreciated the work being carried out by the Haryana State Child Welfare Council, stating that since 1971, the Council has been continuously working for the bright future of children. Emphasising women empowerment, she said that women are the backbone of the family. Where women are empowered, both the family and society become empowered.