Lohri (January 13)
Winter harvest festival, especially in Punjab.
Lohri is one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Delhi. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season, coinciding with the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn — an event known as Makar Sankranti. Celebrated every year on January 13th, Lohri holds deep cultural, seasonal, and social significance. Traditionally associated with the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane and wheat, the festival is also seen as a time to express gratitude for nature’s bounty and to pray for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
The origins of Lohri are deeply rooted in agrarian life. In ancient times, the festival was a way for farmers to celebrate the completion of the winter sowing season and to look forward to a prosperous harvest. It is believed that Lohri derives its name from “Loi,” the wife of the saint Kabir, or from “til” (sesame) and “rorhi” (jaggery), which are traditional foods enjoyed during the celebration. Symbolically, these ingredients represent warmth and energy — vital during the cold winter nights. Another popular legend associates Lohri with Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi folk hero similar to Robin Hood, who rebelled against Mughal rule and rescued young girls from being sold into slavery. His bravery and generosity are celebrated in traditional Lohri songs sung around the bonfire.
The bonfire is the central element of the Lohri celebration. As dusk falls, families and communities gather outdoors, often in open fields or courtyards, to light a large fire made of wood and dried cow dung cakes. The fire symbolizes the return of longer days and the passing of winter’s chill. People circle the bonfire, offering til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), popcorn, peanuts, and rewri (sugar-coated sesame) to the flames as a mark of respect and gratitude to the Sun God for warmth and energy.
This ritual is accompanied by lively singing and dancing to the beats of the dhol, as men perform the energetic bhangra and women join in with graceful giddha dances. The air resonates with traditional folk songs such as “Sundar Mundriye ho!” which recounts the heroic deeds of Dulla Bhatti and add a festive rhythm to the evening.
For newlyweds and newborns, Lohri holds special importance. In Punjabi culture, the first Lohri after marriage or the birth of a child is celebrated with great enthusiasm, symbolizing new beginnings and blessings for the family. Friends and relatives gather to offer gifts, sweets, and blessings, turning the event into a grand social occasion. People dress in colorful traditional attire, exchange greetings, and share festive foods like makki di roti (cornflat bread) and sarson da saag (mustard greens), which are considered seasonal delicacies.
Lohri also fosters a strong sense of community and togetherness. It transcends religious boundaries, bringing people from different backgrounds together to celebrate the spirit of unity, gratitude, and joy. In urban areas, the festival is often marked by community gatherings in housing societies, schools, and offices, where cultural programs and bonfires recreate the charm of the traditional Punjabi celebration. The festival also has an environmental undertone, emphasizing respect for nature’s cycles and sustainable living, as it celebrates the Earth’s renewal and the interdependence between humans and the environment.
Beyond its cultural and agricultural roots, Lohri carries a deeper message of hope and renewal. The fire that burns through the night symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and negativity and the welcoming of new energy, optimism, and light. It is a time to let go of the past, forgive, and look forward to the future with faith and enthusiasm. In many ways, Lohri is not just a harvest festival—it is a celebration of life itself, expressing gratitude for the warmth of relationships, the blessings of nature, and the joy of community spirit.
Today, Lohri continues to be celebrated with the same fervor and excitement, not only in India but also among Punjabi communities worldwide. Whether in rural villages or bustling cities, the sight of glowing bonfires, rhythmic drumbeats, and joyous dances captures the essence of this beautiful festival — a timeless reminder that warmth, generosity, and togetherness can light up even the coldest nights.