Punjab & North India · January · Bonfire • Community • Winter
Lohri
A Punjabi Winter Celebration by the Bonfire
Tags: Lohri · Punjab Festival · Winter Solstice · Punjabi Culture · North India Festivals · Indian Festivals
The night before Makar Sankranti is associated in Punjab and some neighboring regions with **Lohri**.
Families and communities gather around bonfires. Songs are sung. People offer sesame, peanuts, popcorn, jaggery and rewri into or around the ceremonial fire.
Community Around the Fire
Lohri has strong connections with winter, agriculture and Punjabi community life. It can have special significance for families celebrating events such as a marriage or the arrival of a child.
Traditional folk songs, particularly the legend of Dulla Bhatti, are sung around the fire.
Food and Symbolism
Sarson da saag with makki di roti is a traditional Lohri meal. Sweets include gajak, rewri, moongfali (peanuts) and popcorn.
The fire represents warmth, prosperity and the return of longer days.