The Lohri festival is celebrated with great zeal and fervour in most parts of northern India, especially Punjab and Haryana, on 13 January every year. During the leap years, Lohri is celebrated on either 12 or 14 January.
Lohri is believed to be celebrated on the longest night of the year in a lunar calendar.
People mark the occasion by offering prayers and paying obeisance to Surya bhagwaan (the Sun God), seeking blessings for a bumper harvest during the farming season.
When Will Lohri Be Celebrated This Year?
The festival of Lohri will be celebrated on Sunday, 13 January this year.
How is the Festival Celebrated?
The festival, which marks the end of the sowing season and the beginning of the farming season, is celebrated by people worshipping fire. At night, people gather around bonfires and exchange greetings with friends and relatives.
The day is considered to be auspicious for newly-married couples and to-be-parents.
People often wish for prosperity as they toss corn, sesame seeds, rice and jaggery into the flames. According to the legend, praying to Agni (fire) brings peace and prosperity to people’s lives.
During cultural events, traditional dance forms Bhangra and Gidda, folk songs, etc. are performed to mark the occasion.
Children, too, recite songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti and cajole elders for money.
The Lohri traditional feast includes popcorn, peanuts, ladoos, phulle, gajjak, and jaggery, while the traditional dinner includes Punjabi dishes such as Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti.
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