Lohri lights up the winter nights with bonfires, folk songs, and feasts, celebrating harvest bounty and community bonds in Punjab. This vibrant festival, known as the Lohri festival, brings families together in joy and togetherness around crackling fires.

Origins of Lohri

Lohri traces its roots to ancient agrarian traditions in Punjab, marking the end of winter solstice and the harvest of rabi crops like wheat and sugarcane. The festival honors the sun’s northward journey, bringing longer days and warmer weather essential for farming.

Central to Lohri’s lore is Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century Robin Hood figure who robbed the rich to help the poor, rescuing girls like Sundri and Mundri from slavery and arranging their weddings. Folk songs sung during celebrations recount his bravery, turning him into a beloved hero symbolizing justice and generosity.

Significance Today

Lohri embodies joy and togetherness, fostering family reunions and neighborhood gatherings amid Punjab’s chilly January nights. It pays tribute to farmers’ hard work, expressing gratitude for abundant harvests that sustain communities.

In 2026, Lohri falls on January 13, a Tuesday, one day before Makar Sankranti, amplifying its role as a precursor to broader harvest festivities. Beyond Punjab, it spreads to Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh, blending cultural pride with modern revelry.

Traditional Celebrations

Communities build massive bonfires in open fields or courtyards, circling them to offer sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn as prayers to Agni and Surya for prosperity.

• Songs and Dances: Groups sing classics like “Sundar Mundariye” praising Dulla Bhatti, “Tode Uper Toda” evoking harvest greens, and “Paa De Lohri” for festive cheer; men perform energetic Bhangra while women sway in Giddha to dhol beats.
• Rituals: Elders bless newborns and newlyweds; children go door-to-door chanting Lohri songs for treats like rewri and gajak.
• Feasting: Evenings feature Makki di roti with sarson da saag, warming the body against winter cold.

These rituals create an electric atmosphere of laughter, shared stories, and rhythmic claps.

Delectable Lohri Foods

Lohri feasts spotlight seasonal sweets and savories made with jaggery and sesame for their warming qualities.

• Til Laddoo and Gajak: Crunchy sesame-jaggery balls and brittle symbolize prosperity; easy to share around the fire.
• Pinni and Rewri: Ghee-laden wheat-jaggery sweets and sugar-coated sesame discs fuel festive energy.
• Savory Stars: Roasted peanuts, murmure laddoo, and moong dal halwa add nutty indulgence.

Makki di roti paired with creamy sarson da saag remains the hearty main, tying back to harvest roots. Home cooks prepare these in advance, filling homes with sweet aromas that draw everyone together

Lohri in Modern Times

Urban celebrations adapt traditions with community events, live music, and fusion foods while preserving the bonfire core. Families in cities like Mohali host gated society bonfires, blending tech-savvy live streams with classic bhangra.

Schools and playschools incorporate Lohri into cultural programs, teaching kids about Punjab’s heritage through crafts and songs—perfect for early childhood bonding. Eco-conscious twists use sustainable fuels for bonfires, ensuring joy and togetherness endure.

FAQ

What is Lohri and why is it celebrated?
Lohri is a Punjabi harvest festival marking winter’s end and longer days, celebrated with bonfires to honor farmers and legends like Dulla Bhatti.

When is Lohri 2026?
Lohri 2026 falls on January 13, Tuesday, ideal for evening bonfires and festivities.

What are traditional Lohri foods?
Favorites include til laddoo, gajak, makki di roti with sarson da saag, rewri, and roasted peanuts for warmth and sweetness.

Who is Dulla Bhatti in Lohri lore?
Dulla Bhatti was a heroic robber who aided the poor, rescued girls from slavery, and inspired Lohri songs sung around bonfires.

How do people celebrate Lohri?
Gather around bonfires for songs like “Sundar Mundariye,” bhangra and giddha dances, offerings to fire, and feasting on seasonal treats.​

Lohri weaves joy and togetherness through flames that mirror heartfelt connections. Share your Lohri plans in the comments—did a special song or sweet make your night unforgettable? For more festive vibes, explore our .