Lohri is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated in North India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Delhi. Marking the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days, Lohri is not just about the harvest, it is about community, gratitude, and cultural pride. In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated on 13 January, a day before Makar Sankranti.
The Essence of Lohri
At its heart, Lohri is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to thank nature and the Sun God for a good crop of Rabi grains, especially wheat. The festival reflects the agrarian roots of Punjab, where farmers eagerly wait for this season of abundance. But Lohri has also grown beyond its agricultural meaning, it is a festival that brings people together, strengthens bonds, and celebrates life. \
A striking feature of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, which holds deep symbolic meaning. Families and friends gather around the fire in the evening, singing folk songs, performing the energetic bhangra and gidda dances, and tossing offerings such as sesame seeds, jaggery, popcorn, and peanuts into the flames. The fire is believed to represent Agni Dev (the fire god) and acts as a medium to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Why We Celebrate Lohri
Lohri is not just about rituals; it is about expressing gratitude. Farmers thank the Sun for providing warmth and energy that makes the crops grow. With the passing of the longest night of winter, Lohri welcomes brighter days ahead. This transition has a spiritual significance too, it marks the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan), a symbol of new beginnings and hope.
Beyond religion and farming, Lohri is about togetherness. Families gather, communities celebrate, and differences fade as people come together to dance, sing, and share food. It is also a festival of inclusivity. Visiting homes, exchanging sweets, and spreading cheer are an essential part of the day.
The First Lohri Tradition
One of the most cherished customs associated with Lohri is celebrating the first Lohri of a newly married couple or a newborn child. The occasion becomes grand with feasting, gift exchanges, and blessings from relatives and neighbors. For brides, it is a day to adorn themselves with traditional clothes, jewelry, and mehendi. For newborns, it is a moment of joy when the community comes together to shower love and good wishes.
The Legend of Dulla Bhatti
The history of Lohri is incomplete without the tale of Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi folk hero during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Known for his bravery, he helped rescue young girls from being sold into slavery and arranged their marriages with dignity. Folk songs sung during Lohri often recount his deeds, making him an inseparable part of the festival’s folklore.
In 2026, as families prepare for Lohri on 13 January, cities and villages across North India will come alive with dhol beats, dancing, laughter, and feasts of sarson da saag and makki di roti. From bonfires glowing under the winter sky to children singing traditional songs and collecting Lohri gifts, the festival will once again remind us of the beauty of gratitude, community, and cultural heritage.
Why Lohri Matters Today
In modern times, Lohri continues to carry relevance beyond fields and farms. It is about pausing our fast-paced lives to celebrate traditions, connect with loved ones, and express thankfulness for what we have. At its core, Lohri is a reminder that life’s warmth lies in community spirit and shared joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main ritual of the Lohri festival?
A: The main ritual is lighting a large bonfire in the evening. Families and communities gather around it, sing folk songs, dance, and offer five key items to the fire: sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), peanuts, popcorn, and rewari.
Q2: What is the difference between Lohri and Makar Sankranti?
A: Lohri is a Punjabi cultural festival celebrated on the night before Makar Sankranti (Jan 13), marking the end of the winter solstice. Makar Sankranti (Jan 14) is a Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the day the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign. They are back-to-back celebrations marking the same seasonal shift.
Q3: Why is Dulla Bhatti remembered during Lohri?
A: Dulla Bhatti is a celebrated folk hero who saved and protected the honor of Punjabi girls. He is remembered during Lohri as a symbol of courage, generosity, and social justice, and his story is retold every year through the famous folk song "Sundar Mundriye Ho!”
