Lohri is one of the most loved winter festivals in North India, celebrated with much joy and warmth every year on January 13. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. The festival is especially popular in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu, where people come together to light bonfires, sing folk songs, and dance to the beats of the dhol.
But beyond the music and dance, one of the central features of Lohri is its food traditions. The festival is incomplete without a plate full of til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), peanuts, popcorn, rewari, gajak, and other winter delicacies. These foods are not only tasty but also deeply symbolic, rooted in the climate, culture, and health needs of the season.
Why Traditional Lohri Food Plays a Central Role
Lohri is celebrated in the heart of winter, when temperatures in northern India drop sharply. Traditionally, communities relied on foods that could keep the body warm, provide energy, and build immunity against seasonal illnesses. That is why the delicacies of Lohri are prepared using ingredients like til, gur, nuts, and ghee, all known for their warming properties in Ayurveda.
The act of distributing and sharing these foods around the bonfire also reflects the spirit of togetherness and gratitude. Farmers, in particular, thank nature and the Sun for good harvests, offering these foods to the fire as a symbol of respect.
Til (Sesame Seeds): A Symbol of Prosperity
Sesame, or til, is perhaps the most important food associated with Lohri. During the festival, you’ll find til in almost every sweet dish, til laddoo, til chikki, and til rewari being the most common.
Sesame seeds are considered auspicious in Indian culture. They are linked to prosperity, fertility, and good luck. In fact, in many rituals during Makar Sankranti (which follows Lohri), sesame seeds are also offered in prayers.
From a health perspective, til is rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Eating sesame during winter helps in keeping the body warm and boosting energy levels. It is also good for the skin, which tends to get dry in the cold season. No wonder our ancestors chose til-based sweets to mark Lohri, it was both practical and symbolic.
Gur (Jaggery): Sweetness of Life
Gur, or jaggery, is another star of Lohri. Whether eaten plain, paired with til in laddoos, or mixed into gajak, gur adds a natural sweetness to the celebrations. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery is rich in minerals like iron and magnesium, and it is known to aid digestion.
In Indian tradition, gur represents sweet beginnings and harmony. Eating gur during Lohri is seen as a way of inviting sweetness and positivity into one’s life for the year ahead. Gur also has a warming effect on the body, making it an ideal winter food.
At Lohri gatherings, families often distribute pieces of gur or sweets made from it to guests, symbolizing generosity and happiness.
Peanuts: The Bond of Togetherness
No Lohri celebration is complete without the crunchy sound of people cracking peanut shells around the bonfire. Peanuts are simple yet significant, they are affordable, widely available, and perfect for munching during cold evenings.
Nutritionally, peanuts are high in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making them a filling snack. In winter, they provide much-needed warmth and energy.
Culturally, peanuts represent sharing and bonding. During Lohri, bowls of peanuts are passed around as people chat, laugh, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. Just as every seed in a peanut pod sticks together, the act of sharing peanuts is seen as a symbol of family unity and social harmony.
Other Winter Delicacies of Lohri
Along with til, gur, and peanuts, Lohri is also famous for other winter treats:
Rewari - Small, sweet nuggets made of sesame and sugar, rewari is a festive must-have. It is often distributed in bulk during Lohri gatherings.
Gajak - A crunchy sweet made with sesame or peanuts and jaggery, pressed into thin sheets. Gajak is both tasty and filling, a winter favorite across North India.
Popcorn - Light and easy to prepare, popcorn has become a modern addition to Lohri. Tossed into the fire as an offering, it also adds fun to the celebrations.
Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag - While these are not specific to the Lohri bonfire, no Punjabi winter is complete without this traditional meal. Many families prepare it on the day of Lohri as part of their festive feast.
The Ritual of Offering Food to the Fire
An important part of Lohri is the lohri bonfire. As the flames rise, people throw til, gur, rewari, and popcorn into the fire. This is done as a way of thanking Agni, the fire god, for warmth and blessings. The belief is that offering these foods will bring prosperity and drive away negativity.
After the ritual, people exchange sweets, sing folk songs like Sundar Mundriye Ho, and enjoy the delicacies together. The whole atmosphere becomes one of gratitude, joy, and community bonding.
The foods of Lohri are more than just festive snacks, they are carriers of tradition, health, and symbolism. Til stands for prosperity, gur for sweetness, peanuts for unity, and all of them together for warmth and energy in the cold season. By eating and sharing these delicacies, people celebrate not only the harvest but also the bonds of family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the significance of the bonfire in Lohri?
A: The Lohri bonfire is central to the festival. It symbolizes Agni, the fire god, and marks the passing of the winter solstice. People offer foods like til, gur, and popcorn to the fire as a gesture of gratitude for the past harvest and to pray for warmth, prosperity, and a bountiful future harvest.
Q2: What is the story of "Sundar Mundriye Ho," the famous Lohri song?
A: "Sundar Mundriye Ho" is a folk song that pays tribute to Dulla Bhatti, a legendary Punjabi hero who, like Robin Hood, would rescue poor Punjabi girls from being sold as slaves and arrange their marriages. The song is sung to honor his spirit of generosity and social justice.
Q3: What is the difference between the foods of Lohri and Makar Sankranti?
A: The festivals are celebrated back-to-back and share many of the same foods, especially those made from til (sesame) and gur (jaggery). Both celebrate the harvest and the change of seasons. The core ingredients are the same, symbolizing warmth and prosperity.
Q4: What do people drink during Lohri celebrations?
A: While there isn't one specific Lohri drink, warm beverages are popular. Many families enjoy a hot cup of masala chai. In more traditional settings, some might also share homemade fruit wines or other warm drinks to combat the winter chill.
