Lohri is one of the most popular festivals in North India, especially in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Delhi and is a celebration of the Winter Solstice. A traditional welcome to the longer days, although it is currently held on 13 January, immediately before Makar Sankranti, the festival dedicated to Sūrya, the Hindu deity of the sun.
Lohri marks the last day of Paush and the beginning of Magha, when the distance between the Earth and the Sun begins to narrow. It is associated with fire worship and is especially important for newlyweds and newborn babies, as it is also a fertility festival.
On Lohri night, bonfires are lit and people dance. Sugarcane and dry fruits also play a key role, and so are sweets like gajak (made with sesame seeds and sugar syrup).
Also in India, the most famous Diwali, the festival of light that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, belongs to the large group of celebrations and traditions linked to the Solstice and the rebirth of the Sun which rises again in the sky after having touched its lowest point.
Numerous theories have been proposed regarding the derivation of the term 'Lohri'. Many maintain that the festival takes its name from Loi, wife of the Saint Kabir. Others believe that the term 'Lohri' originates from 'loh', the name of an iron pan used for preparing food.
Lohri is the festival of fertility and thanksgiving for good harvest to natural elements like water, wind and fire. Lohri is traditionally associated with the harvest of Rabi crops. People offer groundnuts, rewri (a traditional sweet made with sesame seeds), flour, butter and various food items to God to thank for a good harvest.
During the day, people go with friends to knock on all the doors of the village singing the stories of Dulha Bhatti, a famous legendary hero. A legend related to Lohri tells the story of Dulla Bhatti who lived in Punjab, during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, where he was considered a hero because, in addition to robbing the rich, he saved girls who were taken by force to be sold in the slave market of the Middle East. He arranged their marriage to boys of their religion with the required rituals, offering them dowries. For this reason, gratitude is expressed to Dulla Bhatti in the Lohri songs.
Everyone offers sweets, popcorn, peanuts and money, usually 5, 10 rupees. They return home happy with the little harvest of Lohri, because returning empty-handed is considered a bad omen.
Even the girls, very elegant in their salwar kameez (the name of the traditional Punjabi dress) did the same and almost always they managed to get a much more conspicuous Lohri. Adults and children also play with beautiful kites that colour the whole sky. In the evening the celebration continue and is particularly lively in the houses inhabited by newlyweds (the woman's family go to visit her to bring her gifts) or where a child had just been born.
It is a tradition to offer guests gachchak (a sweet made of brown sugar and peanuts), gur (sweet made of brown sugar), moongphali (peanuts) and phuliya or popcorn. In the main square and in the courtyards of the houses, people would gather around a bonfire that would make the night brighter.
Around it, everyone would sing the typical Lohri songs and dance, especially the girls, the typical traditional Punjabi dance called Gidha, while the boys would dance Bhangra to the beat of the dhol (typical drum) until the fire goes out. Sesame seeds, gur, rock candy and rewaries are thrown into the flames.
Some people would say a prayer and walk around the fire as a sign of respect for this natural element. Hindus would also pour milk and water around the bonfire. This ritual is performed to thank the sun god and seek his continuous protection.
Even today, Lohri is celebrated in the way, with the same vivacity and joy. Nothing has changed except that today Happy Lohri wishes are sent and received via SMS and Whatsapp too.
Lohri celebrations often revolve around a warm family gathering featuring 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. Sugarcane-based sweets like gur and gachak occupy a special place, balancing the savory dishes with their rich sweetness. Seasonal produce like radish, mustard leaves and peanuts add depth and freshness to the meal, making the festive feast both flavorful and symbolic of the harvest season.
