Lohri 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations

Lohri is a vibrant and energetic harvest festival celebrated primarily in Northern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. Marking the end of the coldest winter days and the onset of spring, it is a festival of fire, song, and community bonding.

Farmers celebrate Lohri to mark the harvest of rabi crops (like wheat), which are sown in winter. It is a time to thank the Sun God and Fire God (Agni) for the abundant harvest. The festival coincides with other regional harvest festivals like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti in Bengal, and Magha Bihu in Assam.

Lohri 2026 Date

In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This is one day before Makar Sankranti.

Significance of Lohri

Lohri celebrates the passing of the winter solstice. It is believed that after Lohri, the days start becoming longer and warmer as the sun proceeds northwards (Uttarayan). The bonfire lit during Lohri symbolizes Agni (Fire God), to whom people offer prayers for prosperity and protection.

For Newlyweds and Newborns: The first Lohri after a marriage or the birth of a child is considered extremely auspicious. Families host grand celebrations, distribute sweets, and seek blessings from elders and the Fire God for the new family member’s healthy and prosperous future.

History and Legends: The Story of Dulla Bhatti

The most famous legend associated with Lohri is that of Dulla Bhatti. He was a legendary hero of Punjab during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

• The Robin Hood of Punjab: Dulla Bhatti stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
• Savior of Girls: He rescued poor girls from being sold into slavery in the Middle East and arranged their marriages with dignity, often paying their dowry himself.
• Folklore: Traditional Lohri songs like “Sundar Mundariye, Ho!” are sung in his honor, thanking him for his bravery and kindness.

Lohri Rituals & Celebrations

1. Bonfire (Lohri): In the evening, huge bonfires are lit in open spaces. People gather around the fire in traditional attire.
2. Offerings: Devotees circumambulate (parikrama) the fire and toss offerings like sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), popcorn, peanuts, and rewari into the flames. This is a way of feeding the Fire God and seeking abundance.
3. Folk Dance: Men perform Bhangra and women perform Gidda to the beat of Dhols.
4. Prasad: The offerings made to the fire are then distributed as Prasad among everyone present.

Traditional Lohri Delicacies

Food is an integral part of Lohri. The winter season calls for warm and energy-rich foods:

• Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti: Mustard greens with cornmeal flatbread.
• Til-Gur Laddoos: Sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
• Gajak & Rewari: Crunchy sweet treats.
• Groundnuts & Popcorn: Consumed around the bonfire.

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