Isn't Lohri similar to Halloween?

I'm reading an article on Lohri

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohri

"During the day, children go from door to door singing folk songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti. These children are given sweets and savories, and occasionally, money. Turning them back empty-handed is regarded inauspicious.

The collections gathered by the children are known as Lohri and consist of til, gachchak, crystal sugar, gur (jaggery), moongphali (peanuts) and phuliya or popcorn. Lohri is then distributed at night during the festival. Till, peanuts, popcorn and other food items are also thrown into the fire."

I find it quite fascinating that that different cultures around the world celebrate the same astronomical event, i.e. Winter Solstice in different, yet similar ways.

Are witches involved?

LOL

Nice photograph.

Witches are not involved :-D

But this Dulha Bhatti was a hero who fought against "witches", i.e. evil.

Among many things, he rescued women and children from slavery. And he got the rescued women married, and paid for their dowries (this is similar to one of the many legends of Santa Clause).