The vibrant and joyous harvest festival of Lohri is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of warmth, community, and celebration. As preparations begin across homes, especially in Punjab, there is often curiosity about the exact date of the festival. This year, the calendar is set for a festive start to the new year.
Lohri 2026: Date and Significance
This year, Lohri will be celebrated on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The festival heralds the end of winter and is traditionally associated with the harvest of rabi crops. It is a time for farmers to give thanks for a bountiful yield. A day after Lohri, Makar Sankranti will be observed on Wednesday, 14 January. The celebration of Lohri also marks the commencement of the four-day Pongal festivities in South India.
While the festival is most ardently celebrated in Punjab, it is known by various names across the country, reflecting India's rich cultural tapestry. Some of these names include Lohadi, Lal Loi, Uttarayan, Shishur Sankrant, Poush Sankranti, Sankranthi, and Makar Sankramana. Despite the different names, the core essence of the festival—celebrating the harvest and the sun's northward journey—remains universally shared.
Celebrations and Auspicious Timing
Lohri celebrations are synonymous with lively gatherings, roaring bonfires, and traditional feasts. People come together to dance the energetic Bhangra and Gidda around the fire, symbolizing energy and joy. The culinary delights of the festival are a major highlight, with families relishing roasted corn, peanuts, gajak, and various sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
For those observing the shubh muhurat (auspicious time), the Lohri Sankranti moment will occur at 3:13 PM on Wednesday, 14 January, according to Drik Panchang. This precise timing holds significance for many performing traditional rituals.
Spreading the Warmth: Lohri Wishes and Greetings
The spirit of Lohri is best shared through heartfelt greetings and wishes for prosperity. It is a time to express gratitude and hope for the future. As families and friends gather, messages of good fortune and happiness are exchanged, strengthening bonds and welcoming a season of abundance and new beginnings.
From wishing for the bonfire to burn away all worries to hoping for a harvest of happiness as plentiful as the crops, the festival is a beautiful reminder of life's simple joys and the importance of community. Whether you are celebrating in Punjab or anywhere else in the world, the warmth of Lohri is meant to be shared far and wide.
