Happy Lohri 2025: Why is it celebrated? All about the Punjabi folk festival

Lohri is one of the most colourful and joyful festivals in India, marking the start of the harvest season. Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional rituals, honour the blessings of nature, and create cherished memories. Particularly popular in Punjab, this festival is more than just a harvest celebration¡ªit reflects the importance of community, cultural traditions, and life itself.

When is Lohri in 2025?

Lohri is celebrated every year on January 13, marking the end of the cold month of Paush, according to the traditional Hindu calendar. It also signals the start of Uttarayana, the sun's northward journey, which brings longer, sunnier days. For farmers, this change represents hope and a promise of prosperity as they prepare for the harvest season.

History of Lohri

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The word ¡®Loh¡¯ has a special meaning in Punjabi culture. It refers to a large griddle, often used in communal cooking. This symbol highlights the togetherness and unity that Lohri represents, as communities gather around bonfires, cook traditional foods, and share meals.

The festival began in the Himalayan regions, where winters are colder than in most of India. For generations, Hindu and Sikh families have lit bonfires, sung songs, and danced in celebration of the Rabi harvest. Although the winter solstice occurs earlier in the season, Punjabis celebrate Lohri on the last day of the month in which it falls, symbolising the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

Lohri in History and Royal Traditions

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Lohri has also been celebrated in royal courts. Historical accounts from the 19th century describe how Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab, marked Lohri with grandeur. He distributed gifts such as clothes and money and hosted grand bonfires for his people. These royal traditions highlighted Lohri¡¯s role in fostering harmony and community spirit.

The day after Lohri is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun¡¯s further journey into the northern hemisphere. Together, these festivals are a time to reflect on renewal, hope, and gratitude for nature¡¯s blessings.

Dulla Bhatti: The Hero of Lohri

One of the most cherished legends of Lohri is the story of Dulla Bhatti, a local hero often called the ¡®Robin Hood of Punjab.¡¯ During the Mughal era, Dulla Bhatti was known for helping the poor and rescuing women from slavery. His bravery is celebrated through folk songs, which are sung around bonfires during Lohri. These songs honour his deeds and keep his legacy alive, making him a central figure in the festival.

Why Is Lohri Celebrated?

Lohri is celebrated to express gratitude for the harvest season and to thank Surya, the Sun God, for providing light and warmth to help crops grow. Farmers rejoice in the fruits of their labour, gathering around bonfires to sing, dance, and share their joy with others.

The festival holds special significance for newlyweds and families with newborns, as the first Lohri after a marriage or birth is considered an important occasion. Loved ones come together to offer blessings, wishing for happiness and prosperity in the family¡¯s future.

What Makes Lohri Special?

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Lohri is a celebration of life, nature, and the traditions of Punjab. People light bonfires, sing folk songs, and perform energetic dances like bhangra and gidda. These activities create a festive atmosphere, strengthening bonds between families and friends.

The festival¡¯s essence lies in its simplicity and the joy of being together. It¡¯s a time to remember the values of unity, gratitude, and cultural heritage. As Happy Lohri 2025 approaches, take part in this beautiful celebration and honour the stories and traditions that make it so unique.

Lohri 2025 FAQs:

Q. What is Lohri, and why do we celebrate it?

Lohri is a popular harvest festival celebrated in India, especially in Punjab. It marks the end of winter and the start of longer, sunnier days. The festival is a way to thank nature and the Sun God, Surya, for a successful harvest. It also celebrates community, unity, and cultural traditions.

Q. When is Lohri celebrated in 2025?

Lohri 2025 will be celebrated on 13th January. This date marks the conclusion of the Paush month in the traditional calendar and the beginning of Uttarayana, the sun¡¯s northward journey.

Q. What are the main traditions of Lohri?

The primary traditions of Lohri include lighting bonfires, singing folk songs, dancing bhangra and gidda, and sharing traditional foods like revari, gajak, and makki di roti with sarson da saag. Families and communities gather around the fire to pray for prosperity and happiness.

Q. What is the significance of the bonfire during Lohri?

The bonfire is a central part of Lohri celebrations. It symbolises warmth, the end of winter, and the Sun God¡¯s blessings. People gather around it, sing songs, throw offerings like popcorn, sesame seeds, and jaggery into the fire, and pray for a fruitful harvest and well-being.

Q. Who was Dulla Bhatti, and how is he connected to Lohri?

Dulla Bhatti was a legendary figure from Punjab, often called the ¡®Robin Hood of Punjab.¡¯ During the Mughal era, he helped the oppressed and rescued girls from slavery. His bravery and kindness are celebrated in folk songs sung during Lohri, making him an important part of the festival¡¯s folklore.

Q. Is Lohri only celebrated in Punjab?

While Lohri is most prominent in Punjab, it is also celebrated in other parts of North India, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. It is particularly meaningful for farming communities but is widely enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Q. Why is Lohri important for newlyweds and families with newborns?

Lohri holds special importance for newlyweds and families with a newborn child. Celebrating the first Lohri after marriage or childbirth is considered auspicious, as it symbolises a new beginning. Families come together to bless the couple or child, praying for happiness, prosperity, and a bright future.