Several functions mark celebration of Lohri in Jammu

The festival of Lohri is being celebrated in Jammu today with traditional fervour and gaiety as various functions are being held across the region to mark the day.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) organised a function to celebrate Lohri in which local residents, shopkeepers and party leaders participated.
"The folk festival of Jammu was celebrated today by lighting a bonfire and offering groundnuts and sweets as a thanks giving to the almighty on conclusion of harvesting of crops and onset of spring season," a PDP Spokesman said here today.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also extended his greetings to the people of the state, "Happy Lohri everyone. Toss a bit of the sesame seeds in to the bonfire on my behalf as well," he wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.

In another tweet he wrote, "While on the subject of festivals, makar sankranti and pongal greetings too."
A function was organised by the National Conference (NC) leaders at the party office in Jammu where they celebrated the festival of Lohri.

"This is a tradition of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate all the festivals of all the religions and with great respect. Such type of festivals strengthen the bond of the brotherhood among the people," state vice-president of the party Rattan Lal Gupta said.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu also organised a function where they, apart from celebrating the festival, also welcomed a group of students from North Eastern states.

"We are celebrating the festival and welcoming the students from North Eastern states. Such type of programs are a welcome step to know about the culture and heritage of different states of the country," CCI President Rakesh Gupta said.