Highlights
- Lohri is celebrated annually on January 13th, marking the end of the winter month of Paush and the arrival of Uttarayana, signifying longer and warmer days ahead.
- The festival honors farmers and expresses gratitude to Surya Dev, the Sun God, for the warmth and light necessary for crop cultivation, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity.
- The iconic bonfire tradition involves gathering around a fire to sing traditional songs and making offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn, representing a fresh start by burning old negativity.
- A cherished story associated with Lohri is that of Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero of Punjab known for rescuing Hindu girls from slavery during the Mughal era, whose bravery is celebrated through songs sung during the festival.
- Lohri features vibrant celebrations with music, dance, and traditional dishes, and often coincides with other harvest festivals in India, such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, emphasizing a collective gratitude for a successful harvest.
