Lohri
Lohri falls on 13 January every year — the night before Makar Sankranti. It is the harvest festival of Punjab and North India, celebrating the passing of the winter solstice. Communities gather around a bonfire, sing Lohri songs (Sundri Mundri), and offer til, rewri, and popcorn to the fire.
Lohri Dates 2025, 2026 & 2027
Significance of Lohri
Lohri celebrates the end of the winter solstice and the return of longer days. In agricultural terms, it marks the harvesting of the winter rabi crop (especially sugarcane and winter wheat). For Punjabi communities, Lohri is especially joyous when there is a newborn child or a new bride in the family — the first Lohri after a birth or wedding is celebrated with particular ceremony. The bonfire represents Agni (the fire god) and the Sun — offerings thrown into it reach the divine realm.
The Story Behind Lohri
The folk hero Dulla Bhatti — a Robin Hood figure from the reign of Emperor Akbar who robbed the rich and saved girls from being sold into slavery — is celebrated in the traditional Lohri song Sundri Mundri Ho. The song narrates how Dulla Bhatti rescued two girls (Sundri and Mundri) from being sold, arranged their weddings, and gave them sugarcane as a wedding gift since he had no money. The song celebrates the spirit of protection and generosity — themes also at the heart of the winter community gathering.
How to Celebrate Lohri
- 1Light a bonfire at sunset in an open community space or courtyard
- 2Offer til (sesame), rewri (jaggery-coated sesame), gajak, popcorn, and peanuts into the fire
- 3Circle the bonfire clockwise (parikrama) with the entire family
- 4Sing traditional Lohri songs — Sundri Mundri Ho and other folk songs
- 5Distribute rewri, gajak, and peanuts as prasad
- 6Dance Bhangra (men) and Gidda (women) around the bonfire
Traditional Foods
Astrological Significance of Lohri
Lohri falls when the Sun is still in Sagittarius (before crossing into Capricorn on Makar Sankranti). In Vedic astrology, this is the last night of the Sun in the nakshatra of Uttara Ashadha — a nakshatra associated with final victories and completion. The bonfire on Lohri symbolizes the burning away of the old year's karma before the astrological renewal of Makar Sankranti.
“In my experience, the most spiritually productive way to observe Lohri is to align your personal puja timing with the muhurat window for your city — not just the general date. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana specifies that offerings made during the peak muhurat carry ten times the merit of those made outside it. I have seen this shift outcomes meaningfully for clients who take the time to calculate it properly.”
— Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, PhD Vedic Astrology · 20+ Years Practice · 10,000+ Consultations
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology • 20+ Years Experience
Distinguished Vedic astrologer specializing in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures. Trusted by thousands for accurate Lohri interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Kundli & Muhurat Report
Know the exact muhurat window for Lohri in your city, based on your personal birth chart. Prepared by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma.