The Legend of Dulla Bhatti: The Hero of Lohri
Lohri is a vibrant Hindu festival, celebrated with immense joy in Punjab and Haryana, that marks the end of winter and the successful harvest of Rabi crops. It is a time for communities to gather around roaring bonfires, sing traditional songs, and share festive foods. But beyond the agricultural celebration, Lohri is also a time to honor the historical figures, martyrs, and folklore that give the festival its deep cultural roots. At the heart of these traditions is the story of a central folk hero whose name is sung around the bonfires every year: Dulla Bhatti.
1. The Man Behind the Legend: Who Was Dulla Bhatti?
According to the lore passed down through generations, Dulla Bhatti was a dacoit who lived in Punjab during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. While the term "dacoit" might suggest a simple outlaw, in the tales of the people, he was a heroic figure of immense "bravery and power." In the eyes of the community, he was not a mere criminal, but a rebel who challenged the authority of a distant emperor and protected the honor of his people. He was seen as a "bold man" who stood up against injustice, earning a reputation not for what he took, but for what he gave back. But what were the courageous deeds that transformed a dacoit into a celebrated folk hero?
2. A Hero's Tale: The Rescue of Sundri and Mundri
Dulla Bhatti's name was etched into legend not for his raids, but for an extraordinary act of compassion that defied the powers of his time. His enduring legacy is cemented by the tale of two young girls, Sundri and Mundri. According to the folklore, these girls were destined to be sold into slavery. In a bold act of defiance against this exploitation, Dulla Bhatti rescued them from this fate. But his heroism did not end there; he adopted them as his own daughters and, taking on the full responsibility of a father, arranged their marriages, securing their honor and their futures.
This act of protection and social justice is the very reason Dulla Bhatti's name became inseparable from the Lohri celebration.
3. The Legacy in Song: Echoes Around the Bonfire
Dulla Bhatti's story is kept alive and passed down through generations, primarily through the folk songs sung with great enthusiasm around the Lohri bonfire. The most famous of these songs narrates his heroic tale, ensuring that his legacy is never forgotten.
Lohri Folk Song
Sunder mundriye Hoo, Tera kaun vicaharaa Hoo..!! Dullah Bhatti walla Hoo, Dullhe di dhee vyayae Hoo..!! Ser shakkar payee Hoo, Kudi da laal pathaka Hoo..!! Kudi da saalu paatta Hoo, Saalu kaun samete Hoo..!! Chacha choori kutti Hoo, zamidara lutti Hoo..!! Zamindaar sudhaye Hoo, Ginn-ginn bhole aaye Hoo..!! Ek bhola reh gaya Hoo, Sipahee pakad ke lai gaya Hoo..!! Sipahee ne mari itt Hoo, Phannve ro te phannve pit Hoo..!! Lohri Deyo Ji Lohri jeeve tuhadi jodi..!!
The opening lines of this song contain the core of the legend, revealing its deep cultural meaning:
- The Protector: The line
"Dullah Bhatti walla Hoo"explicitly names Dulla Bhatti as the one who is there for the girls, establishing him as their protector and savior in their time of need. - The Father Figure: The next line,
"Dullhe di dhee vyayae Hoo"("Dulla's daughter is getting married"), is profoundly symbolic. In a society where a young woman's honor and future were tied to her family, Dulla Bhatti's decision to arrange the marriages was a powerful act. He was not just their rescuer; he stepped into the sacred role of a father, personally guaranteeing their social standing and future security.
Through these powerful and simple lyrics, the community reaffirms its cultural values each year.
4. The Enduring Symbol of Lohri
During the Lohri festival, Dulla Bhatti is not remembered as a dacoit, but as a champion of the people who defended the helpless and fought for justice. His story provides the cultural soul of the festival, transforming it from a simple harvest celebration into an annual tribute to courage and compassion. The festival's significance is multifaceted, also serving as a tribute to the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte, but it is the legend of Dulla Bhatti that echoes most loudly in the folk songs around the fire, forever reminding new generations of the triumph of good over evil.