Lohri Festival: A joyous celebration of harvest and togetherness!

Lohri, widely celebrated among Sikhs and Hindus in India, particularly in the North Indian states, marks the commencement of the harvest season and the maturation of winter crops. 

This popular festival brings communities together to rejoice in the bounty of nature, with traditional bonfires, singing, dancing and the exchange of festive sweets and savouries. It holds cultural significance as a vibrant celebration of agricultural abundance and the spirit of togetherness.

The festival will be celebrated this year i.e. either on January 13 or 14. The festival is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti. As per Drik Panchang, this year, Lohri will be celebrated on Sunday i.e. on January 14, 2024.

Significance of Lohri 

Lohri, also known as Lohadi or Lal Loi, is a time to pray to the God of Fire and ask for blessings for the family and loved ones. The festival heralds the start of harvest season and the ripening of winter crops. The festival also celebrated the arrival of warmer winters as after Lohri, the days get longer and the nights get shorter.

Lohri celebrations:

Bonfire made of wood and cow dung is lit outside homes and residential complexes. People offer prayers and perform Parikrama around the bonfire.

They also offer gajak, til, gur, and peanuts as part of puja rituals. In many places, the festival is celebrated by performing Giddha, Punjab’s popular folk dance form while some also perform Bhangra and dance to dhol beats.