Lohri is primarily celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and other northern states of India. This festival symbolizes the harvesting of crops and the end of winter. On this day, people light bonfires and offer sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and rewari. They perform traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda and sing folk songs. Lohri is a festival of sharing joy with family and friends and praying for prosperity.
When is Lohri Celebrated?
Lohri is a major festival of North India, observed annually on January 13, a day before Makar Sankranti. In 2025, Lohri will be celebrated on Monday, January 13.
Reasons for Celebrating Lohri
There are various stories and traditions associated with the celebration of Lohri. This festival is linked to Goddess Sati, Lord Krishna, and Dulla Bhatti. Singing the famous “Dulla Bhatti” song is a common and popular tradition on this day.
Open bonfires are lit on Lohri, and everyone gathers to worship the sacred fire. Families and relatives come together to celebrate by offering the new harvest, rewari, sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery to the fire. Gifts related to Lohri are exchanged with guests, and Lohri greetings are shared widely.
The Famous Song of Lohri
Lyrics:
Sunder Mundriye ho!
Tera kaun vichara ho!
Dulla Bhatti wala ho!
Dulle di dhee vyahi ho!
Ser shakkar pai ho!
Kudi da laal pataka ho!
Kudi da shalu pata ho!
Shalu kaun samete ho!
Chacha gali dese ho!
Chache churi kutti ho!
Zamindaran lutti ho!
Zamindar sukaye ho!
Gin gin pole laaye ho!
Ik pola ghis gaya ho!
Zamindar sadke ho!
Sunder Mundriye ho!
Meaning of the Song:
This song praises the bravery and kindness of Dulla Bhatti, a hero of Punjab who rescued girls from oppression. He not only saved these girls but also arranged their marriages. The song reflects joy, enthusiasm, and cultural values.
Significance of Lohri
Lohri holds great cultural, social, and spiritual importance in North India. It celebrates the arrival of the new harvest while promoting positivity, prosperity, and strengthening relationships.
1. Festival of Agriculture and Harvest
- Lohri is considered a harvest festival, especially significant for farmers.
- During this time, Rabi crops (particularly wheat and mustard) are ready for harvest.
- People celebrate in the fields and offer the new harvest to the sacred fire to thank the divine.
- It is a prayer for prosperity and a bountiful yield in the future.
2. Social and Family Importance
- Lohri is an occasion to strengthen bonds with loved ones.
- Families and communities come together to celebrate.
- The festival is considered especially auspicious for newlyweds and newborns, with special gatherings organized for them.
3. Symbol of Cultural Heritage and Tradition
- Lohri represents the rich folk culture and traditions of North India.
- People sing traditional songs like “Sunder Mundriye” and perform dances like Bhangra and Gidda.
- Lighting a bonfire and circling it while offering sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and rewari is considered auspicious.
4. Mythological and Historical Significance
- Story of Dulla Bhatti: Dulla Bhatti was a Punjabi hero who resisted Mughal oppression. He saved several girls from being enslaved and arranged their marriages. Songs of Lohri honor his bravery.
- Sun Worship: Lohri is dedicated to the Sun God, marking the transition to longer days and shorter nights.
5. Respect for Nature and the Environment
- Lohri symbolizes gratitude and reverence toward nature.
- Offering sesame seeds, jaggery, and other items to the fire is a way of expressing thanks for natural resources.
- The festival teaches us to value and protect the environment.
6. A Celebration of Joy and Positivity
- Lohri marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
- It reminds us that after hardships (winter), happiness (spring) follows.
- The festival signifies new beginnings and fresh enthusiasm in life.
7. Religious and Spiritual Importance
- Worshiping the bonfire and making offerings is believed to bring peace and prosperity to homes.
- The sacred fire is considered to ward off negativity and evil spirits.
- The festival serves as a moment of gratitude and prayer for a better future.
Lohri is not just a festival; it is a celebration of cultural heritage, environmental respect, and social unity. It connects us to our traditions and roots while fostering a sense of brotherhood. Lohri inspires us to celebrate life’s successes and to look forward to prosperity and happiness after struggles.