Lohri, observed a day before Makar Sankranti, is the bonfire festival signifying the harvesting of winter crops. Lohri
Festival 2025 date is January 13. It is observed mainly in
Punjab, Haryana, parts of Jammu , Himachal
Pradesh, Delhi
On the day of Lohri, people create huge
bonfires in the harvested fields and in front of homes in the evening. People
go around the bonfire and throw puffed rice, popcorn and other munchies. They
ask Fire God Agni to banish poverty and usher in prosperity.
On the morning of Lohri children go around
the neighborhood singing Lohri songs. They are given money, til (sesame),
jaggery, peanuts and popcorn.
All homes are decorated on the day and people
prepare and share makki ki roti (made of millet) and sarson ka saag (cooked
mustard leaves).
On the day people eat and distribute Prasad
made of til, gajak, jaggery, peanuts and popcorn.
The popular belief is that Til or Sesame
helps in fighting the cold and various ailments that appear during the period.
There is great importance to Lohri song which
is mainly based on nature, winter and on a folk hero Dulha Bhatti. It is said
that Dulha Bhatti used to rob rich people and help the poor. He lived during
the rule of Akbar. He also used to rescue girls and women taken away forcibly.
He arranged for the marriage of such girls and women.
The festival is annually held on January 13 or 14.
It is interesting to
note that a festival quite similar is held on the same day in South
India , the Bhogi festival – in it too bonfires are lit.