Lohri

Lohri is a winter festival celebrated in northern India, especially in Punjab. It takes place on January 13 each year. People gather around big bonfires to stay warm and celebrate. It marks the end of the coldest part of winter.

What Lohri Celebrates

Lohri celebrates the harvest of winter crops, especially sugarcane. It also marks the time when days start getting longer after the winter solstice. For farmers, it is a time to be thankful for a good harvest. Families with new babies or newlyweds have extra reasons to celebrate. The festival brings communities together during the cold season.

How People Celebrate

The main tradition is lighting a big bonfire. People gather around it, sing songs, and dance the bhangra dance. They throw popcorn, peanuts, and sesame seeds into the fire as offerings. Rewri, a sweet treat made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is shared with everyone. Children go door to door singing Lohri songs and collecting treats.

Fun Facts

• Bhangra is a lively Punjabi dance that makes everyone want to move and clap.
• People throw peanuts, popcorn, and puffed rice into the Lohri bonfire.
• Lohri is celebrated the night before another festival called Makar Sankranti.

Did You Know?

In Punjab, children collect food and sweets by singing Lohri songs from house to house, similar to trick-or-treating on Halloween.