Lohri, the vibrant folk and harvest festival heralding the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, is set to be celebrated with great fervour in January 2026. According to the Drik Panchang, the festival will be observed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The auspicious Lohri Sankranti moment is slated for 3:13 PM on January 14, 2026.
Lohri 2026: Date, Timings, and Shubh Muhurat
Celebrated primarily in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, Lohri falls on the eve of Makar Sankranti, following the ancient Bikrami calendar. This calendar uniquely blends lunar and solar cycles to determine the date. In 2026, the festivities will light up the night of January 13th, with the bonfire being the central symbol of the celebrations.
The History and Profound Significance of Lohri
Lohri is deeply rooted in agrarian traditions, marking the culmination of the winter solstice and the successful harvest of Rabi crops like sugarcane, wheat, and mustard. The festival is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards Surya Devta (the Sun God) and Agni (the Fire God) for a bountiful harvest and agricultural prosperity.
The lighting of the sacred bonfire, known as the Lohri fire, is the festival's cornerstone. It is considered a powerful emblem of fertility, good luck, and auspicious beginnings. This holds special significance for newly married couples and families with newborn children, who seek blessings for a prosperous future.
Traditional Celebrations and Rituals
The celebration is a beautiful tapestry of rituals, music, and community bonding. Families and communities gather around the bonfire, offering symbolic items like peanuts, popcorn, rewri, and gajjak into the flames. These offerings represent the first fruits of the harvest and are a tribute to nature's bounty.
The air resonates with the energetic beats of the dhol and folk songs. Traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda are performed with great enthusiasm. A key part of the folklore involves narrating the heroic tales of Dulla Bhatti, a legendary Punjabi figure known for his bravery and social justice.
No Lohri feast is complete without indulging in traditional delicacies. People relish sarson ka saag with makki di roti, along with an array of seasonal sweets like gajjak, rewri, and til ladoo, celebrating the flavours of the harvest.
Ultimately, Lohri 2026 will be a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. It strengthens community bonds, celebrates the earth's generosity, and looks forward to the promise of brighter, longer days ahead.
