While the South of India celebrates the winter harvest in the form of Pongal and Sankranthi, the North finds joy in Lohri. One of the most widely known festivals in India, Lohri is celebrated primarily in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and nearby regions. The festival, falling on 13th January in 2026, marks the end of the winter season and includes a number of rituals and celebrations. So without further ado, let’s understand the significance of Lohri 2026 and other key aspects of the festival.
Lohri 2026: Significance, Origin, Rituals And Celebrations, And More
Significance Of Lohri 2026
At its core, Lohri, like many other festivals occurring around the same time in different parts of India, is a harvest festival. It is a festival to express gratitude towards nature’s forces, particularly the Sun God, for a good crop of Rabi grains.
The festival is a day to celebrate the abundant harvest but is more than just about it. In its very essence, the festival is a celebration of food, people, and life itself.
In 2026, 13th January, i.e. the day of Lohri, will be the last day of the Hindu month of Paush. Spiritually, the date signifies the end of the harshest winter days and marks a new chapter in India’s seasonal calendar. It sets the stage for ‘Uttarayan’, a phase that marks the northward movement of the Sun.
It is believed that the Sun’s northward journey is particularly auspicious and harbors positive energy. This makes Lohri a festival subtly marking the transition from cold to warmth, and symbolically, from stagnation to prosperity.
Beliefs Around The Origin Of Lohri
While there is no particularly concrete story confirming the origin of Lohri, folk stories have vastly hovered over the festival’s origins.
Some believe that the festival gets its name from Loi, the wife of Sant Kabir, a revered mystic poet and saint. Others believe that the name refers to ‘loh’, a thick iron plate used to bake chapatis in traditional gatherings.
Hindu mythological beliefs link Holika and Lohri together. In Hindu mythology, Holika was an evil character who perished in a fire when she tried to harm her nephew Prahlad. Some stories believe that Lohri and Holika were sisters, and while Holika perished, Lohri survived.
The Legend Of Dulla Bhatti
The tradition of Lohri remains incomplete without remembering the legends of Dulla Bhatti. Fondly known as the Robin Hood of Punjab, Dulla Bhatti was a Punjabi folk hero from the 15th century who used to rob the rich and affluent and distribute their wealth among the poor and underprivileged.
On the day of Lohri, the people of Punjab sing praises and folk songs dedicated to him. Today, he remains immortalized in Punjabi culture as a savior, celebrated particularly on the day of Lohri.
Lohri Rituals And Celebrations
Lohri 2026 date and day: Tuesday, 13th January
The morning of Lohri begins with families cleaning and decorating their homes. Families dress up in new clothes and send children in the locality to sing praises of Dulla Bhatti. People give sweets and peanuts to these children as a small reward.
As the sun sets, communities come together to set up huge bonfires. They light it up and go around the bonfire three times, offering peanuts, sesame seeds, and other items into the fire.
Once done, the menfolk engage in energetic dhol performances and bhangra dance. Some dances also involve women, such as the giddha.
People distribute sweets and peanuts and exchange wishes, followed by communal or family meals involving freshly made sarson da saag (thick mustard and leafy green curry) and makke di roti (unleavened flatbread of maize flour) with dollops of ghee or butter.
There are a few rituals on the day of Lohri that hold particular significance for newly-wed brides and newborn children. Following these rituals with faith and dedication is believed to bring prosperity and good health in the lives of the new bride and the newborn respectively.
Kite flying is also another important ritual, typically observed on the day of Makar Sankranti. Locals organize kite flying contests, encouraging children and adults alike to decorate their own kites and fly them the highest in the sky.
You May Like Also: When Is Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, And Diwali In 2026? Top 10 Festival Dates to Know
Summing Up
Lohri 2026 is not just a festival, it is a celebration rooted in gratitude, new beginnings, and communal harmony. In this article, we’ve mentioned the Lohri 2026 date and day, the significance of this festival, its origins, legends linked with it, and important rituals that are associated with Lohri. Time to welcome brighter, warmer days, cherish new beginnings, and let go of stagnation and despair as you celebrate Lohri!
