As the winter chill sets in, North India gears up for one of its most vibrant and flavourful festivals – Lohri. Celebrated with immense fervour across Punjab and other northern states, Lohri 2026, falling on January 13, marks the end of the winter solstice and the joyous harvest of rabi crops. The festival is synonymous with community bonfires, energetic bhangra and gidda performances, and most importantly, a spectacular feast of traditional Punjabi cuisine.
The Essence of Lohri: A Festival of Fire and Food
Lohri is more than just a festival; it's a cultural immersion into Punjabi heritage. The celebration, deeply rooted in agrarian traditions, is a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. While the bonfire (lohri) remains the central ritual, the culinary spread is the heart and soul of the festivities. Families and communities come together to share dishes that are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients to combat the cold weather. The food prepared is a beautiful blend of earthy flavours, seasonal ingredients, and warming spices.
11 Iconic Dishes to Complete Your Lohri Feast
To help you celebrate an authentic Lohri, here is a curated list of 11 must-try Punjabi dishes that are integral to the festival's culinary landscape.
Sarso Ka Saag aur Makki ki Roti: This iconic duo is the undisputed king of Punjabi winter cuisine. The saag is a hearty mix of mustard leaves and other greens, slow-cooked with ginger, garlic, and generous amounts of ghee. It is paired perfectly with makki ki roti, a flatbread made from maize flour, often enjoyed with a dollop of white butter, jaggery, and tangy pickle.
Pindi Chane: A robust and spicy curry made with boiled chickpeas (kabuli chana). The dish gets its distinctive dark colour and intense flavour from a special blend of ground spices, including dried pomegranate seeds (anardana), along with ginger-garlic paste.
Gur ki Roti: A simple yet irresistible sweet treat. This roti is made by stuffing a mixture of powdered jaggery into whole-wheat dough and then cooking it on a griddle (tawa) with ghee or oil until it caramelises slightly, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Murmura Laddoo: These crunchy, sweet laddoos are a popular Lohri snack. Puffed rice (murmura) is bound together with melted jaggery syrup and often enhanced with the nutty crunch of roasted peanuts and a hint of grated ginger.
Pinni: A classic, energy-dense sweetmeat designed for the winter. Pinni is a rich laddoo made from roasted whole wheat flour (atta), ghee, edible gum (gond), and an assortment of dry fruits and nuts. It is traditionally consumed to generate body heat and boost energy during the cold months.
Rajma Chawal: A beloved comfort food that needs no introduction. Kidney beans are pressure-cooked and then simmered in a thick, aromatic gravy of onions, tomatoes, and spices. Served with steamed rice, it's a hearty and satisfying meal for the festivities.
Kadhi Pakoda: A tangy and comforting main course. Soft besan (gram flour) pakodas, often containing onions, are dunked into a velvety gravy made from yoghurt and besan, seasoned with turmeric. The dish is finished with a sizzling tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida (hing), and red chillies in hot oil.
Peanut Chikki: A sticky and crunchy brittle made from two simple ingredients: roasted peanuts and molten jaggery. This easy-to-make treat is a staple during Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Til Ki Chikki: Another nutritious brittle that comes in two varieties – made with either black or white sesame seeds. Combined with jaggery, this chikki is not only delicious but is also considered excellent for generating warmth in the body, making it a perfect winter snack.
Chole Bhature: A festive favourite that is both indulgent and flavourful. Spicy chickpeas (chole) cooked with a melange of ground spices are served with deep-fried, fluffy bread made from refined flour (maida). It is typically garnished with onion rings and fresh coriander leaves.
Celebrating with Tradition and Taste
The celebration of Lohri in 2026 is a perfect opportunity to embrace these rich culinary traditions. Each dish tells a story of the land, the season, and the community spirit of Punjab. From the nourishing Sarso Ka Saag to the celebratory Chole Bhature, this feast is designed to be shared with loved ones around the warmth of the bonfire. Incorporating these dishes into your celebration will ensure an authentic and memorable Lohri experience, filled with the true flavours of Punjab.
