Why Do We Celebrate Lohri? Significance, Traditions and What Makes It Special

Lohri is one of the most joyful Punjabi festivals. It marks the end of the coldest part of winter and the move towards longer, warmer days, and it is usually celebrated on 13 January. Families gather around a bonfire with folk songs, dancing and traditional sweets, and today Punjabi families keep the tradition going everywhere from Vancouver and Brampton to Southall and Melbourne.

So why is Lohri celebrated, and what makes it special? Let’s explore.

What is Lohri and why is it celebrated?

Lohri is above all a harvest festival of Punjab, a way of thanking nature for the crops. It holds special meaning for farming families, coming at the time of the sugarcane harvest while the winter wheat grows in the fields.

It also comes around the time of the winter solstice and the sun’s journey north, so it celebrates the return of warmth and sunlight. The next day, many families celebrate Maghi, and across India the same season brings Makar Sankranti and Pongal.

The meaning of Lohri

• Gratitude to the Sun and to nature
• Celebrating abundance and new beginnings
• Bringing family, friends and neighbours together

Lohri stands for light over darkness, warmth over cold, and hope for the year ahead.

Why is the bonfire so important?

The bonfire is the heart of the celebration. Families gather around it, sing traditional songs and toss in offerings of peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds and jaggery, often walking around the fire as they do.

The fire symbolises:

• warmth and positivity
• letting go of the old
• togetherness and joy

Abroad, the bonfire may be a backyard fire pit, a community event at the gurdwara or local centre, or simply candles on the kitchen table if winter is fierce outside. The spirit is the same.

Why peanuts, rewri and gajak?

Traditional Lohri treats are made from sesame seeds and jaggery, foods long eaten in Punjab to keep warm through the winter. Sharing them signifies:

• sharing happiness and abundance
• wishing each other good health
• strengthening bonds with friends and neighbours

Popcorn, peanuts and sesame sweets are easy to find almost anywhere, so this is one tradition that travels well.

Why Lohri is special for children and newborns

A baby’s first Lohri, and the first Lohri after a wedding, is celebrated with extra enthusiasm. Families gather to bless the child with sweets, new clothes and good wishes for:

• good health
• happiness and protection
• a bright future

Children love the songs, the warmth of the fire and the handfuls of popcorn and rewri. Teach them a line of the traditional song “Sundar mundriye”, tell them the folk story of Dulla Bhatti that it celebrates, and let them help hand out the sweets.

Celebrating Lohri with little ones abroad

• Make it safe and small. A fire pit, a few candles, or a paper “bonfire” craft for toddlers, always with an adult close by.
• Share the snacks. Fill small bags with popcorn, peanuts and rewri to give to friends, neighbours and classmates.
• Dress up. A little kurta or phulkari dupatta makes it feel like a festival.
• Call the grandparents. Let them sing the Lohri songs with the children over video.

Meet Little Sardarji

Our Mantra Chanting Little Sardarji is a soft, huggable plush made to celebrate Punjabi culture, warmth and innocence. Press his tummy to hear him chant. He makes a lovely first-Lohri gift or a festive keepsake that stays with a child long after the bonfire has burned out.

Celebrate the warmth of Lohri

Lohri is more than a festival. It is a feeling of togetherness, gratitude and joy, and wherever you are celebrating this winter, it is a lovely way to bring a little Punjabi warmth home. Happy Lohri!

Explore more of our mantra chanting toys for festival gifting.