The festive spirit of Lohri shone brightly and inclusively in Amritsar as the city's Nari Niketan became the venue for a special celebration dedicated to children with disabilities. The heartwarming event, held on the eve of the Lohri festival, was organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to ensure the joy of the harvest festival reaches every section of society.
A Festival of Warmth and Inclusion
The celebration transformed the premises of Nari Niketan into a vibrant hub of traditional festivity. The core of the Lohri festivities, a crackling bonfire, was lit, around which the children, staff, and officials gathered. The air filled with the rhythm of traditional Punjabi folk songs, the beats of the dhol, and the enthusiastic chants of "Aadar aye dilather jaye" (May honor come and poverty vanish).
Secretary of DLSA Amritsar, Harpreet Kaur, actively led the celebrations, interacting with the children and participating in the rituals. The event saw the presence of several key officials, including Nari Niketan Superintendent Rupinder Kaur and Protection Officer Isha Sood. Their participation underscored the collective commitment towards creating moments of happiness for the children under the institution's care.
Spreading Joy with Gifts and Sweets
No Indian festival is complete without the distribution of sweets and gifts. Staying true to this tradition, the organizers made sure the children received special Lohri treats. Gifts and sweets were distributed to all the children, adding to their excitement and bringing wide smiles to their faces. The act of sharing rewris, gachak, and popcorn around the bonfire reinforced the festival's message of community and generosity.
The event was meticulously coordinated by DLSA para-legal volunteer Kanwaljit Singh, ensuring the celebrations were smooth, safe, and full of joy for the young participants.
Beyond Celebration: A Message of Social Responsibility
This Lohri celebration at Nari Niketan went beyond mere ritual observance. It served as a powerful gesture of inclusion, bringing a segment of society often on the margins into the heart of a cultural tradition. The District Legal Services Authority, typically associated with legal aid and justice, demonstrated a holistic approach to social welfare by organizing this event.
By choosing to celebrate with children with disabilities, the DLSA sent a strong message about the importance of empathy, social integration, and the right of every individual to partake in cultural joys. The festival became a medium to spread warmth, not just from the bonfire, but through acts of kindness and recognition.
The successful event highlighted how festivals can be powerful platforms for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community, making the Lohri of 2025 a memorable one for the special children of Amritsar's Nari Niketan.
