As winter nights of North India start to make way for longer days, people across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are gearing up for Lohri. This festival is much more than just a bonfire; it is the official start of the harvest season and a massive celebration of life.
When is Lohri in 2026?
Lohri is always celebrated on the night before Makar Sankranti. In 2026, the festival falls on Tuesday, January 13. According to the Drik Panchang, the specific Lohri Sankranti timing is at 3:13 PM on January 14, but the traditional celebrations, the singing, dancing, and bonfires take place on the evening of the 13th.
The rituals around the fire
As per Drik Panchang, the main event of the night is the lighting of the holy bonfire, often called Lohadi or Lal Loi. This fire is treated with great respect as a symbol of Agni Devta (the Fire God). Families circle the flames, throwing in handfuls of popcorn, peanuts, rewri, and gajjak. These offerings aren’t just snacks; they represent a ‘thank you’ to the gods for the winter crops like wheat, mustard, and sugarcane that are now ready to be harvested.
For many, the bonfire also represents the burning away of the old year’s gloom and the welcoming of warmth and prosperity. It’s a common sight to see elders blessing the younger generation as they walk around the heat of the fire.
Dulla Bhatti and the spirit of Lohri in Punjab
You cannot have a Lohri celebration without hearing the name “Dulla Bhatti.” Almost every folk song sung on this night tells the tale of this legendary hero who lived during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Known as the “Robin Hood of Punjab,” he famously rescued young girls from being sold into slavery and arranged their marriages, providing them with dowries.
His courage is remembered every year through the traditional “Sunder Mundariye” song that kids and adults sing while going from house to house.
Traditional food and dancing
Once the prayers are done, the party really starts with high-energy Bhangra and Gidda performances to the loud beat of the dhol. The food is equally hearty, featuring the classic winter duo of sarson da saag and makki di roti, served with large dollops of homemade white butter and jaggery. It is a night of loud laughter, community bonding, and a deep connection to the roots of Indian agriculture.
