Lohri is one of India’s most joyful and colourful festivals, celebrated primarily in the northern state of Punjab and in parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days, symbolizing warmth, prosperity, and new beginnings. Deeply rooted in agrarian tradition, Lohri holds great cultural and social significance.
When Is Lohri Celebrated?
Lohri is celebrated every year on 13th January, a day before Makar Sankranti. The festival coincides with the winter solstice and the harvesting season of rabi crops, especially sugarcane and wheat. It is a time when farmers express gratitude for a good harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
What Is Lohri?
Lohri is essentially a harvest and seasonal festival that celebrates nature, fertility, and the sun. It honours the cycle of agriculture and acknowledges the hard work of farmers. The festival also represents the victory of light over darkness and warmth over cold, making it a powerful symbol of hope and renewal.
In many families, Lohri is especially significant when celebrating new milestones, such as the birth of a child or a newlywed couple’s first Lohri, which is marked with extra enthusiasm and community participation.
Heritage and Cultural Significance
Lohri’s heritage is deeply connected to Punjabi folklore and traditions. One of the most popular legends associated with Lohri is that of Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero known for protecting the poor and helping young women marry during the Mughal era. Songs sung during Lohri celebrations often praise his bravery and generosity.
The festival also has spiritual and astronomical significance, as it marks the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere. Over generations, Lohri has remained a strong expression of Punjabi identity, blending agricultural life, folk music, dance, and community bonding.
How Lohri Is Celebrated
The heart of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, lit in the evening. Families and neighbours gather around the fire, symbolising warmth and positive energy. Offerings such as sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), peanuts, popcorn, and rewri are thrown into the flames as a gesture of thanksgiving.
People sing traditional folk songs, clap, and perform energetic dances like bhangra and giddha around the bonfire. Children go from door to door earlier in the day singing Lohri songs and collecting treats, adding to the festive spirit.
A traditional Lohri feast follows, often including foods such as makki di roti (cornbread), sarson da saag (mustard greens), jaggery, and seasonal sweets. The celebration continues late into the night with laughter, music, and togetherness.
A Festival of Joy and Togetherness
Lohri is more than just a festival, it is a celebration of community, gratitude, and cultural heritage. It brings people together to honour nature’s bounty, celebrate life’s milestones, and pass on age-old traditions to younger generations.
With its blazing bonfires, lively music, and warm hospitality, Lohri beautifully reflects the spirit of Punjab and remains a cherished festival across India and among Indian communities worldwide.
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