Lohri, a festival of warmth, joy, and togetherness is celebrated with great fervor and joy, across different parts of India, carrying different names. For instance, it is celebrated as Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in South India, and Bhugali Bihu in Assam,
Nonetheless, the true essence of Lohri remains the same – seeking blessings from nature for a bountiful harvest and the end of the winter solstice with the welcome of warm, pleasant days ahead.
In today’s blog, we’ll learn more about the significance, rituals, and date for Lohri 2025.
When is Lohri 2025?
In 2025, Lohri will be celebrated on January 13th, Monday, a time signaling the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere. Although Lohri is usually associated with the Sikh community, it shares a close link with the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti and is celebrated a day prior to it.
The festival holds great significance especially for farmers, marking the beginning of the harvest season for rabi crops like wheat – bringing joy and gratitude for nature’s blessings.
Legend Associated With Lohri
One of the most popular legends associated with Lohri revolves around Dulla Bhatti, a Punjabi who was known for his bravery and courage. Also, popular as Punjabi Robin Hood, Dulla Bhatti went against the Mughal emperor Akbar to protect and help the oppressed.
Once, Dulla Bhatti rescued two young girls named Sundri and Mundri, who were being forcibly taken away to be sold into slavery, and arranged their marriages, performing the role of their guardian. Ever since then, during the Lohri festival, special songs are sung in his honor.
Significance of the Lohri Festival
Meanwhile, during this time, the newborn or newlywed couple are also honored. As Lohri marks fertility and harvest, the newlyweds receive blessings to have a healthy life and a healthy child in the future while the newborn is blessed with a happy and prosperous life ahead. They receive blessings and gifts, and special songs are sung to celebrate their new beginnings.
Rituals Performed on Lohri
The rituals surrounding Lohri are as vibrant and lively as the festival itself. During the celebration, people light a bonfire, and everyone gathers around it, tossing sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn into the flames as an offering to Agni, the fire god. This is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for the harvest and prayers for prosperity in the coming year.
You’d also find people singing traditional Punjabi folk songs and performing bhangra and gidda around the fire, making it an evening full of fun and energy.
And how can we not mention the food? No Lohri celebration is complete without the traditional feast packed with hearty dishes like sarson da saag and makki di roti, paired with sweets like gajak and rewari. In small regions especially in villages, you’ll see children going door-to-door collecting these sweets along with popcorn and groundnuts as a part of the traditions.
Conclusion
The festival of Lohri is all about togetherness, gratitude, and fun. Although, in the present time, the enthusiasm around the festivities has mellowed down, with huge bonfires turning smaller ones and the gatherings turning shorter, the festival hasn’t completely lost its essence. You’ll still find the crackling bonfire, the energetic beats of the dhol, and mouth-watering delicacies being a part of the occasion.
So this time, as you celebrate Lohri 2025 with your loved ones, let the festival remind you of the importance of sharing, gratitude, and staying connected to your roots.
Embrace the joy and warmth this festival brings, and may your year ahead be as prosperous as the harvest it celebrates.
Happy Lohri!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Is Lohri on the same date every year?
A: Yes, Lohri is typically celebrated on January 13th every year. The date remains constant as it aligns with the harvest calendar and the winter solstice.
Q: Do Muslims celebrate Lohri?
A: Lohri is not a religious festival and is primarily cultural, which makes it open to everyone, regardless of religion. More so, you’ll also find many Muslims in the rural parts of Punjab and Northern India participate in the celebrations.
Q: What is the date of Lohri and Makar Sankranti?
A: Lohri 2025 falls on January 13th, while Makar Sankranti is celebrated the next day, i.e., on January 14th.
Q: Is Lohri a Hindu or Sikh festival?
A: Lohri is a cultural festival that is primarily celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus in Punjab and northern India. It's more of a cultural festival associated with agriculture and seasonal changes, rather than being strictly religious.
Q: Is Lohri related to any specific deity?
A: Lohri is associated with Agni, the fire deity, as offerings are made to the bonfire. Besides, it also honors Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero of Punjab.
Q: Which states celebrate Lohri?
A: Lohri is most widely celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. However, over the years, the charm and appeal of Lohri has reached other states and even countries, with people from different regions and religions celebrating it together.
Read Also:- 7 Christmas Gift Ideas for Loved Ones | The Story of Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu
