13012025-LSTC-01.qxd 1/12/2025 8:56 PM Page 1 c m y b PAATAL LOK IS BACK Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, who is awaiting the release of the second season of the superhit streaming show Paatal Lok, has shared that the story has progressed two years in time and a lot of things will be revealed in season two, which is set to drop on Prime Video on January 17. TRIBUNE On board The anticipation for Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film Bhooth Bangla has intensified after acclaimed actress Tabu joined the cast of this horror-comedy on Saturday. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 13 JANUARY 2025 From those in the corridors of power to the performers on screen, Lohri is a day to light a bonfire, don traditional attire and gorge on sumptuous delicacies Lohri hai, Lohri hai! Mona D Phulkaris. I get my dupattas from them and also urge others to look out for the self-help groups in their area and promote them,” says Sawhney, who also makes it a point to visit orphanages and old-age homes to mark the day. RESSED in the finest Phulkaris, gajjak and rewaris passed around the bonfire and dancing to the tunes of Sundar Mundriye, the very first festival of the year, Lohri, spells new beginnings, CHILDHOOD MEMORIES new hopes and happy times! Kanwardeep Kaur, SSP Chandigarh, , A Punjabi, who grew up all over the fondly remembers the childhood praccountry given her father’s postings, for KANWARDEEP KAUR tice of singing songs, visiting the neighIAS officer Sakshi Sawhney, Lohri has bourhood, demanding Lohri and returning been a day to celebrate not just with bonfire rich, but over the years things have and sweets, but also to ensure creating an changed. “Our childhood was fun. I environment of equal opportunity for all would accompany kids in the neighgenders. Calling Punjab home, as she is bourhood and they were so creative from the Punjab cadre, the DC Amritwith the songs,” says Kanwardeep sar shares, “Lohri is indeed special in Kaur. Over the decades, now Lohri is Punjab. While mungphali, rewari, gaja family celebration. “We gather jak and til bhugga have been part of around a bonfire and enjoy treats,” celebrations, here in Amritsar I have shares the cop, who makes sure she discovered the magic of khajoor—that’s has a serving of gajrela along with other only made for the 15 days around Lohri.” PRAGYA JAIN delicacies on the day. Made with basic ingredients like flour, ghee, sugar and then deep fried in oil, khajoor has been a famous Amritsari Lohri special. While traditionally WARMTH OF CONNECTION Lohri has been celebrated for new-born boys, Sawhney Avneet Kaur Sidhu, Zonal AIG (CID), Bathinda, says, “We are two sisters. Not only was Lohri celebrated remembers Lohri as one of her favourite festivals for us, but our parents also guided us to reach out for true while growing up. A huge family coming together around a bonfire, singing songs and inventive happiness. We ensure the same for our games with loads of food passed around, each daughter.” Lohri is also about premoment was special. Every Lohri, she is trying to cious Phulkaris and shiny jutrecreate all those times. “Lohri is family time. More tis! “Here in Amritsar, and also the merrier,” says Sidhu. While dressing up is saved while I was in Patiala, selffor social occasions, for her it’s all about being comhelp groups are making fortable and cozy in the company of her loved ones. amazing handmade “Lohri for me reflects warmth of connection. In the world today, that’s fast being replaced by camera clicks and the race to upload pictures, I try to treasure all that I can from the times gone by.” COLLEAGUES AS FAMILY We catch SSP Faridkot Pragya Jain right after an encounter with category one gangsters’ aides and recovery of arms. The young girl from Delhi, much in love with Patiala salwars and loose kurtis, has taken to her khaki attire with aplomb. A strong votary of strict policing, most of her Lohris are celebrated in the police lines with her colleagues, who are like family. “Lohri is also the day to visit old-age homes and orphanages; kuch unki sun lete hain, kuh kah lete hain,” says Jain, who takes out time to enjoy gajrela and mungphalis on the day! ❝ WE ARE TWO SISTERS. NOT ONLY WAS LOHRI CELEBRATED FOR US, BUT OUR PARENTS ALSO GUIDED US TO REACH OUT FOR TRUE HAPPINESS. WE ENSURE THE SAME FOR OUR DAUGHTER. — SAKSHI SAWHNEY, DC AMRITSAR ❝ LOHRI IS FAMILY TIME FOR ME.THE FESTIVAL REFLECTS THE WARMTH OF CONNECTION. I TRY TO TREASURE ALL THAT I CAN. — AVNEET KAUR SIDHU, ZONAL AIG (CID), BATHINDA best Flaunting hisness with together Lohri means ily, gorging on m friends and fa ari, gajjak; hali, rew mungp nging Sundar dancing and sie to flaunt Mundriye. I lik clothes on the best of my me up and s Lohri. It charge explore to motivates me te that a lot ia more. I apprec lebrating the of people are cern girls too, Lohris of newbo e festival is th signifying that t for a girl as it an equally import for a boy. is t Singh, actor — Kanwalpree Ethnic flavour is her preference Proud Punjabi Being the first festival of the year, it holds a special place as it means a New Year, a new hope. My family and I light a bonfire and pray. Later, we munch on lots of mungphali, rewari, gajjak, popcorn and the dinner usually includes makki ki roti with sarson ka saag, which is the season’s special. Like every year, I’m going to be celebrating Lohri with my family in Punjab. For me any festival is incomplete without wearing ethnic clothes. I am a proud Punjabi. When it comes to Punjabi suits, I’m a fan of the authentic Patiala salwar kameez. I wish everyone a Lohri filled with happiness, joy and prosperity. — Ankita Sharma, actress Lohri brings great energy, cheer and celebration for me. It’s an occasion to get together with the family and loved ones, and spend time with the bonfire. While we are grooving to the thumping beats of the dhol and adding memories, we also reflect and are ready to bid adieu to winter. We thank God for the blessings and good times, being dressed up in the traditional attire and munching on Lohri specials. This year, I am celebrating with my family in Mohali. I will dress up in traditional attire and look forward to dancing on Punjabi beats around a bonfire. I shall also prepare kheer for the family. I have invitations for first Lohri celebrations of the newborns from near and dear ones. It is substantially significant for me to dress up in ethnic clothes for Lohri as it makes me feel complete, ready and vibrant for the festival. I also have fond memories of dressing up in the ethnic outfits during the Lohri celebrations during my graduation and Masters years in Panjab University, Chandigarh. I am looking forward to sharing the joy of the festival with the needy and underprivileged people through my Dream Buds Foundation. — Diljott, actress c m y b Treasure trove of memories Being a Sardarni and having been born and brought up in Punjab, Lohri holds a huge significance for me. On the eve, I sit around a bonfire with family and sing songs. During the day, I like to help underprivileged kids in whatever way possible. Now that I am the brand ambassador of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, I have more opportunity to visit various destitute homes and de-addiction centres to help those in need. I usually dress up according to the occasion, but Lohri gives me an opportunity to don my original Punjabi costumes. Ethnic-wear always reminds me of my grandma’s sandook (box). Whenever I used to open it, I was fascinated with her beautiful collection. I have treasured some of them. – Samaira Sandhu, actress All about vibes Like everywhere, I celebrate Lohri with a bonfire, good food and dance! When in Chandigarh, the flavour is fully Punjabi while in Mumbai we have some events to attend or sometimes I am hosting. I will be taking to the stage at a Lohri event in Mumbai this time and inviting industry friends. Meanwhile, your outfit can make or break your vibe! Nothing can beat a classy simple kurta pyjama, but if you can experiment and carry IndoWesterns with different colours, why not? Celebrate with your loved ones, make new friends and enjoy our culture to the fullest. – Karan Singh Chhabra, actor