Lohri 2025: 7 interesting facts that you must know about this vibrant festival

Lohri, the vibrant Punjabi harvest festival, is celebrated on January 13 every year with high enthusiasm and joy. The festival is celebrated to mark the end of winter and the onset of longer days.

It is that time of the year when people share joyful memories with their loved ones and show their appreciation for the abundance of nature.

Moreover, Lohri is more than just a harvest festival¡ªit is a celebration of community, culture, and life. Here are some interesting facts that you must know:

7 Interesting facts you must know about Lohri

It is a harvest festival: People who live in rural areas of north India, and especially the ones who work in agricultural fields, would already know that Lohri is a harvest festival, but individuals staying in the southern part of India might be unaware of the significance of the festival.

Winter crop is harvested: In the days up to Lohri, the winter crop (traditionally Rabi) is harvested, and then on the festival day, all those involved in the labor gather around big bonfires to socialise and celebrate the harvest.

A Hindu religious festival: For many, it would be difficult to say if the festival started out as a religious festival or an agricultural festival; however, in Hinduism, the festival is believed to celebrate the Goddess Lohri and the God Agni.

Lohri marks the end of winter: Lohri is said to be celebrated on the last cold day of the winter season, after which every day will get longer and warmer as we enter into the spring season.

It is the longest night of the year: Lohri has the shortest day and the longest night of the year. After Lohri, every day will get longer, and this is the reason why all the festivities for Lohri take place after the sunset.

Lohri marks a new financial year: If we go back to history, the revenue for winter crops used to be collected on Lohri; hence, the custom holds importance for the Sikh community.

A solstice festival: As the world celebrates Christmas as a winter festival, Lohri is the Indian festival that takes place due to seasonal differences in the place of origin.