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Legendary Lohri song 'Sundar Mundariye' gets farmers' protest twist this year

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/14/2021 12:54:54 PM

New Delhi, Jan 13 Students from Shahzada Nand college in Amritsar performing 'Giddha' to celebrate Lohri on Wednesday (Photo Credits: PTI) This sight has almost vanished from North India's urban scene -- children going door-to-door to collect money from elders, chanting "Sundar Mundariye" days ahead of Lohri. But the song dedicated to Punjab's own Robin Hood, Dulla Bhatti, has remained etched in the festival that marks the passing of winter solstice. This year though, "Sundar Mundariye" is re-written for farmers across Punjab, Haryana and along borders of Delhi as they prepared to burn copies of the new agricultural laws in traditional bonfires. Bhatti was a legendary hero who would rescue young women from abductors during the Mughal reign. He would rob the corrupt wealthy and share the booty with the poor in undivided Punjab. According to folklore, Bhatti arranged the marriage of Sundar and Mundri, daughters of a local priest. In the 2021 Lohri songs resonating across Punjab, Dulla Bhatti's fabled valour seems to have been replaced by the evident grit of farmers digging in for almost 50 days now. Videos and lyrics surfaced ahead of traditional bonfires of the re-worded anthem that hails the farmers at Singhu and Tikri sites. "Singhu Tikriye, Ho! Tera Sabbar Niyara, Ho!" reads the opening line, meaning the two encampments have shown remarkable patience during this agitation. "Bhai Kanahiyey Waala, Ho! Karda Na Niptaara!" This line invokes history about a Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Kanahiya, who served the battle wounded on both sides of the frontline, without discrimination. The song is not gentle on the central government and pledges to stay united against the contentious laws. Another song praises the mothers and young women participating in the Kisan Morcha on Delhi borders, leaving home and education behind. "Pindan Vichon Pind Suneenda, Pind Suneenda Tikri; Vich Tikri De Lagiya Morcha, Phirdi Lokai Nikhri," reads a third song, referring to Tikri border as a village brimming with protesting humanity. Unnamed songwriters called upon aunts and sisters- in-law to prepare trolleys for the proposed tractor rally on January 26 -- "Sun Ni Chachiye, Sun Ni Taaiye, Sun Vaddiye Bharjaiye; Nee Dilli De Vich Morcha Lagya Bharke Traaliyaan Jaaiye."