Lohri Celebration for Gender Equality under ongoing IMAGE- I’M Advocating for Gender Equality programme 

Chandigarh, January 12, 2023: The Dept-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh organised a Lohri Celebration for Gender Equality under the ongoing IMAGE- I’M Advocating for Gender Equality programme in the lawns of the Emerging Areas Building. 

Talking about the significant of this Lohri for Gender Equality, Prof.Manvinder Kaur, Chairperson of the Dept-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies stated that , for a long time, Lohri has been synonymous with celebrating the birth or the marriage of a son. Lohri for gender equality aims to eliminate the social evils which lead to subordination and discrimination and celebrate all that is good to bring about a gender equal world. A transformed world is possible and that is the message this Lohri carries. 

Lighting the fire ,Prof.Pam Rajput, Professor Emeritus gave the slogan ‘Gender Equality, Hurray’. The song of Dulha Bhatti which forms part of the traditional Lohri celebrations was given a new twist focusing on women’s empowerment. Dulhe ne dhi vyayi was transformed into dulhe ne dhi padhayi , M.A., B.A karayi, followed by kudi taan border te jaawe, ho, kudi apna farz nibhave, ho, desh da karz chukawe, ho and ended with the unity of boys and girls for protecting the rights of women.  

A gender neutral figure of a person created with old newspapers was covered with slips bearing issues having special significance for women and other genders and which need to be eliminated for achievement of gender equality. One by one each of these slips were burnt thereby symbolically burning the various discriminations and inequalities in society and the figure was transformed into a gender equal person. 

Traditionally sesame seeds are put in the holy fire of lohri while chanting a couplet- issar aa dalidar jaa, dalidar di jadd chulhe paa. The Department also brought in another couplet stating equality aa, inequality jaa, inequality di jadd chulhe paa. 

The traditional celebrations were followed by students dancing to the tune of transformed bolis speaking of gender empowerment and songs which sought to motivate as against the music glorifying violence and alcohol. 

The students, research scholars, staff and faculty of the Department of Women’s Studies were joined on the occasions by chairpersons, faculty and staff of departments of Human Rights, Fashion Technology and Social Work as well as Dr.Dinesh Kumar fellow of the University, Dr. Namita Gupta DPR and Prof. Supinder Kaur, President PUTA. 

The next event under the IMAGE programme will be a signature campaign followed by a workshop on Role of Men and Boys for Gender Equality to be held from 18th to 20th January, 2023.