Lohri 2025 in India

Harvest season is warmly welcomed with dancing and singing by the bonfire

Dates: January 13

The people of Punjab celebrate Lohri with utmost zest every year on 13th January. It is believed that the festival is celebrated on the day when days start becoming shorter and the nights start becoming longer. This festival is celebrated as the harvest festival, and on this day, people light the bonfire, sing, and dance in joy to pay respect to the Dulha Batti. Though it is the key festival of Punjabis, some Northern states of India also observe this festival, including Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Celebration Highlights

As Lohri marks fertility, it is significant for newborns and newlyweds. The event also means the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season in the Punjab region. People come together to the bonfire to dance and sing around it and throw popcorn in the flames. They also pray for prosperity, abundance, and a good harvest.

Festival Traditions

Lohri is a festival brimming with enthusiasm and joy, bringing families and communities together in celebration. At the heart of the festival are bonfires, which serve as symbolic centers of gratitude and unity. Families gather around these fires to offer traditional items like peanuts, popcorn, and sesame seeds as a gesture of thanks and prayers for prosperity. These offerings are later shared as 'prasad,' fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

The celebration comes alive with vibrant folk dances such as Bhangra and Gidda, accompanied by the infectious rhythms of the dhol. Men and women, adorned in colorful traditional attire, dance energetically, filling the atmosphere with liveliness and bright festive energy, creating an unforgettable cultural spectacle.

Culinary Delights

Lohri celebrations often revolve around a warm family gathering marked by a sumptuous Punjabi feast. A highlight of the menu is the classic pairing of sarson da saag and makki di roti, a hearty and comforting combination that embodies the region's culinary heritage. Sweet treats made from sugarcane, such as gurh and gachak, hold a special place, balancing the savory dishes with their rich sweetness. Seasonal produce like radishes, mustard greens, and groundnuts add depth and freshness to the meal, making the festive spread both flavorful and symbolic of the harvest season.