Lohri (Punjabi: (Gurmukhi), (Devanagari), (Shahmukhi)) is an extremely popular Punjabi agricultural winter festival celebrated throughout Punjab and in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu. The origins of Lohri are many. Many people believe the festival began as a celebration of the eve of the winter solstice. Lohri and winter solstice Indian origins Lohri is the Punjabis' and Dogras' cultural celebration on the eve of the winter solstice. However, instead of celebrating Lohri on the eve of winter solstice, Punjabis celebrate it on the last day of the month during which winter solstice takes place, Paush. This is due to linking Lohri to the Bikrami calendar. According to folk lore, in ancient Punjab Lohri was celebrated on the eve of winter solstice day. It is for this reason that people believe the Lohri night is meant to be the longest night of the year and on the day after Lohri, day light is meant to increase. However, scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around December 2122 after when the days begin to get longer. Accordingly, winter solstice begins on December 21 or December 22 and Lohri ought to be celebrated a day before winter solstice.Punjabi Khoj Garh ( ) is the center of research, publication and advocacy on history, culture, literature, music, and arts of the Punjab. It was established on the 10th March 2001 under the initiative of Iqbal Qasier, a historian, anthropologist, poet, story writer, and activist. He also happens to be a prolific writer having adventured in numerous fields. What makes this man really special is his unrelenting commitment to Punjabi. Mr. Qaiser has also contributed features to daily Ajeet of Jullunder on Sikh gurdawaras in Pakistan. The assignment took him to various places where Sikh shrines are located and has enriched his Knowledge of the Pakistan Punjab as well as the Frontier and Sindh. He has also published an illustrated book on the sacred places of the Sikhs the first ever on the subject. This book is called Historical Sikh Shrines in Pakistan. This book was published in 1998 in Punjabi with a rendition in English and Gurmukhi script. When he was writing this book, he was also a primary school teacher. He says he used to do his field work during the summer vacations. This book covers 175 important Sikh Gurdwaras all over the country, describing their present condition, locality and history. In the project, he has been able to achieve what the Department of Archaeology could not accomplish, even with all the funds. After the publication of this book the author was invited by various Punjabi and Sikh organizations of the United States and Canada. He toured the countries in 2000. Income from this tour partially financed the purchase of the Punjabi Khoj Garh land. The remaining amount came from his saving. Aim and Objectives To conserve and regenerate Punjabi Cultural Heritage regardless of religion. To support and encourage national and local scholarship in Punjabi history, culture, literature, music and arts. To record and conserve the oral history of Punjab. To provide logistic assistance to scholars, academics, and students, who are interested in the Punjab region.