Lohri, one of the most vibrant festivals of Northern India, is celebrated to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

The festival falls on January 13 every year, according to the Gregorian calendar. However, according to the regional calendar, Lohri falls on the last day of the month of Paush, which is the coldest month of the year. 

Lohri is primarily celebrated in the Indian States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Jammu, and New Delhi.

The day after Lohri marks the beginning of the Magh month, and hence, it is called Maghi in Punjab.

This (Maghi) is the day when Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Makar Sankranti in most other parts of India such as Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Lohri marks the passing of the winter solstice and the sun’s journey towards the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayan.

Traditionally, this day symbolizes longer days and the onset of spring.

For farmers, predominantly those in Punjab, Lohri signifies the end of the winter crop season and the harvest of Rabi crops like wheat, mustard, and sugarcane.

Fire is central to Lohri celebrations, symbolizing warmth, energy, and hope for prosperity.

It is believed that offering grains, jaggery, and sesame seeds to the sacred fire brings blessings of abundance.

The name “Lohri” is believed to have evolved over centuries. Some think it derives from the word ‘Loh,’ a thick iron stick used for making chapatis, signifying warmth and sustenance.

Another belief is that the word was derived from the word “Loi”, who was the wife of Kabir, the great saint.

Additionally, others believe that the word Lohri originated from the word ‘Tilorhi‘, which is derived from the combination of the words ‘rorhi’ (jaggery) and ’til’ (sesame), popular food items during this time.

Lohri is intricately associated with the folk hero Dullah Bhatti, often hailed as the Punjabi Robin Hood, who plays a significant role in the festival’s folklore.

We grew up listening to the stories of Rai Abdullah Bhatti a.k.a ‘Dullah Bhatti’ and the most popular folk song ‘Sundar Mundariye‘ that came by as a result of his actions.

In the story, during the reign of Emperor Akbar, Dullah Bhatti is said to have defied the Mughal regime, standing up against unfair tax policies, the exploitation of farmers, and protecting vulnerable women.

He is especially remembered for rescuing girls from being sold into slavery in the Middle East. He would rescue them and arrange their marriages to suitable boys.

These weddings were celebrated around a fire, and festive songs were sung. Hence, the tradition of bonfires on Lohri was born.

To this day, on Lohri, songs praising Dullah Bhatti’s valor and generosity are sung around the bonfire. Two of the young girls’ names, Sundri and Mundri, are included in one of the most famous folk songs:

“Sundar mundriye ho! Tera kaun vichara ho! Dulla Bhatti wala ho!”

These verses highlight Dullah’s contributions and remind people of the values of courage and community support.

Enjoy this entertaining video about Lohri and Makar Sankranti!

Disclaimer – Please watch the video before showing it to children to ensure it is suitable for your family.

Books are our go-to method to learn about new things. We recently got this book at the festival of Lohri, and we are all loving it.

This goes without saying. If there is a local gurudwara in your city, there will most likely be Lohri celebrations. If you cannot go out, have your little bonfire at home and enjoy the festival!

Our celebrations vary each year. One year we went to the local Gurudwara, the next year we had a little bonfire in the backyard with some peanuts and popcorn, and still another year we just stayed in and listened to Lohri songs on YouTube and danced with the kids!

As part of Lohri celebrations, starting a few nights before Lohri, young boys and girls visit door to door singing songs and asking for sweets and other eatables, and often singing a small song.

“De mai lohdi , Jeeve teri jodi

Khol mai kunda, Jeeve tera munda”

This tradition of going house to house collecting sweets can be equated to the festival of Halloween and can be a good example to share with kids while teaching them about the festival of Lohri.

The heart of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, lit after sunset. People gather around it to perform rituals and seek blessings. Offerings like moongfali (peanuts) and popcorn are thrown into the flames as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the harvest.

Traditional Punjabi folk songs, accompanied by energetic bhangra and giddha dances, are central to Lohri festivities. Families and friends join hands to celebrate togetherness and prosperity.

Food plays a pivotal role in Lohri. The festive spread includes delicacies like Makki di roti (corn roti) and Sarson da saag (a mustard dish), Pinni, and Panjeeri.

The most famous snacks during this time are til (sesame) ke laddoo, phulley (popcorn), ganna (sugarcane), peanuts, gur ki gajak (peanut and jaggery brittle), and til ki Rewari (sesame seed snack).

In Punjabi households, special significance is given to the ‘first Lohri’ celebrated after a wedding or the birth of a child. It is marked with extra pomp and grandeur as families gather to bless the newlyweds or newborns with love, good health, and prosperity.

The new bride is showered with gifts, clothes, and more and her hands are painted with mehndi. Similar festivities follow for the newborn and the new mother to welcome them into the family.

• The date on which Lohri is celebrated changes every 70 years as it is determined by traditional Lunar-Solar calendars.
• This day is celebrated as ‘Lal Loi’ in the Sindh region.

Sunder Mundriye ho!
Tera Kaun Vichaara ho!
Dullah Bhatti walla ho!
Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!
Ser Shakkar payee ho!
Kudi da laal pathaka ho!
Kudi da saal upaata ho!
Salu kaun samete!
Chacha gali dese!
Chacha choori kutti! zamidara lutti!
Zamindaar sudhaaye!
Bum bum bhole aaye!
Ek bhola reh gaya!
Sipahi far ke lai gaya!
Sipahee ne maari itt!
Bhaanvey ro te bhaanvey pitt!
Sanoo de de lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!

Lohri Celebrations!