Harshvardhan Mishra
Lohri is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals of North India, celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, traditional dances, and festive foods. Observed primarily in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and parts of Jammu, Lohri marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days, symbolising warmth, prosperity, and new beginnings.
Celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri holds deep agricultural, cultural, and social significance, especially for farming communities.
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Lohri 2026: Date and Timings
- Lohri Festival: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Makar Sankranti: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM on January 14, 2026
Lohri is traditionally celebrated on the night before Makar Sankranti, with festivities continuing late into the evening.
What Is Lohri Festival?
Lohri is a harvest and seasonal festival associated with the rabi crop, particularly wheat. It celebrates the Sun’s journey toward Uttarayan and expresses gratitude to nature for warmth, fertility, and abundance.
The festival is deeply rooted in:
- Agrarian traditions
- Punjabi folklore
- Community bonding
- Celebration of life events
Significance of Lohri
1. End of Winter and Seasonal Transition
Lohri marks:
- The coldest phase of winter coming to an end
- The gradual increase in daylight hours
- Hope for warmth and agricultural prosperity
It symbolises the victory of light and warmth over cold and darkness.
2. Agricultural Importance
For farmers, Lohri is:
- A celebration of the wheat crop
- A thanksgiving festival for a good harvest
- A prayer for future agricultural success
It reflects the close relationship between nature, seasons, and human life.
3. Social and Cultural Significance
Lohri is especially important for:
- Newly married couples
- Families celebrating the birth of a child
- Strengthening community ties
Songs and stories associated with Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi folk hero, are traditionally sung during Lohri.
Lohri Bonfire: The Central Ritual
The heart of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, lit after sunset.
Rituals Around the Bonfire
- People gather around the fire
- Offerings like peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, jaggery, and revri are thrown into the flames
- Folk songs are sung and prayers are offered
Symbolic Meaning
The bonfire represents:
- Burning away negativity
- Letting go of past hardships
- Welcoming positivity, warmth, and abundance
Traditional Foods of Lohri
Food plays a major role in Lohri celebrations. Popular items include:
- Revri
- Gajak
- Til (sesame) sweets
- Popcorn
- Peanuts
- Sarson da saag and makki di roti (in many households)
These foods reflect the winter harvest and seasonal produce.
How Lohri Is Celebrated Across North India
Punjab
Punjab celebrates Lohri with unmatched enthusiasm:
- Bonfires in courtyards and open spaces
- Bhangra and Gidda performances
- Community feasts
- Singing traditional folk songs
Lohri is considered one of the most important cultural festivals of Punjab.
Haryana
In Haryana, Lohri is celebrated with:
- Family gatherings
- Bonfires and folk songs
- Sharing sweets and dry fruits
The festival emphasises togetherness and gratitude.
Himachal Pradesh
In parts of Himachal Pradesh:
- Lohri is linked with local agricultural customs
- Bonfires are lit in villages
- Traditional rituals are observed in a simpler form
Delhi and Urban Areas
In cities like Delhi:
- Lohri is celebrated in housing societies
- Cultural programs and performances are organised
- The festival brings together people from diverse backgrounds
Lohri in Modern Times
In contemporary society, Lohri has evolved while retaining its core spirit:
- Eco-friendly celebrations are encouraged
- Community events replace large private gatherings
- Cultural awareness among younger generations is promoted
Despite modernization, Lohri continues to symbolise joy, warmth, gratitude, and renewal.
Lohri and Its Connection to Makar Sankranti
Lohri is closely linked to Makar Sankranti:
- Lohri marks the celebration of the seasonal change
- Makar Sankranti marks the astronomical transition of the Sun
Together, they represent the harmony between human traditions and cosmic movements.
Conclusion
Lohri 2026, celebrated on January 13, is much more than a festival—it is a celebration of nature, harvest, community, and hope. With glowing bonfires, rhythmic folk songs, and shared joy, Lohri beautifully captures the spirit of togetherness and renewal.
As winter fades and longer days approach, Lohri reminds us that every season of life brings its own warmth and blessings.
