Lohri (ਲੋਹੜੀ) is the biggest winter harvest festival of Punjab, and it is loved across North India and in Punjabi communities around the world. The next Lohri falls on Wednesday, January 13, 2027. Lohri 2026 was celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The festival is held on the eve of Makar Sankranti, when the Sun enters Capricorn and the days slowly begin to grow longer.
At the heart of Lohri is the evening bonfire. Families, neighbours, and friends gather around the fire, offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and sweets into the flames, sing folk songs, and dance Bhangra and Gidda. This guide explains the date, the meaning of Lohri, the famous story of Dulla Bhatti, the traditions and foods, and simple ways to celebrate safely at home.
Lohri Dates for 2026 and 2027
| Year | Lohri Date | Day | Makar Sankranti / Maghi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 13, 2026 | Tuesday | January 14, 2026 |
| 2027 | January 13, 2027 | Wednesday | January 14, 2027 (Maghi); some panchangs list January 15 |
Why some calendars show a different date for 2027
Lohri is always the night before Makar Sankranti. In 2027, the Sun enters Capricorn at about 9:00 pm IST on January 14. Because that moment comes after sunset, some Hindu panchangs treat January 15 as Makar Sankranti, and a few communities therefore celebrate Lohri on January 14. Punjab and the Sikh calendar, which count Maghi on January 14, celebrate Lohri on January 13. If you are not sure, follow the date announced by your local gurdwara, temple, or community group.
What Is Lohri?
Lohri is a folk festival of Punjab that celebrates the winter harvest, the warmth of fire, and togetherness. It is also known by the name Lal Loi in some places. It is celebrated mainly by Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus, and also by many other communities in Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu, as well as in Punjab, Pakistan, and among the Punjabi diaspora in the UK, Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Lohri is a cultural and seasonal festival and is not tied to a single religion. People of different faiths take part in the bonfire, the songs, and the food.
Why Is Lohri Celebrated?
- To mark the harvest. Lohri comes when the winter crops are growing well and the sugarcane harvest is on. Farmers thank nature and pray for a good wheat harvest in the spring. In some farming families, it also marks the start of a new agricultural year.
- To welcome the Sun’s return. After the longest, coldest nights, the Sun begins its journey north, and the days start getting longer. The bonfire is a way of celebrating light and warmth.
- To honour Fire and the Sun. Offerings made into the bonfire are a way of giving thanks to Agni, the fire, and to Surya, the Sun, for sustaining life.
- To bring people together. The bonfire is a social event. It brings neighbours, relatives, and children together in the coldest part of the year.
The Legend of Dulla Bhatti
No story is more closely tied to Lohri than the story of Dulla Bhatti. Many Lohri songs praise him, and children still sing his name from door to door.
Who was Dulla Bhatti?
Dulla Bhatti is believed to have been Rai Abdullah Khan Bhatti, a Rajput chieftain from Pindi Bhattian, a town in present-day Pakistani Punjab. He lived during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century. According to popular accounts, his father Farid and his grandfather Sandal, who was also known as Bijli Khan, had resisted Akbar’s land-revenue system and were executed for it. Dulla grew up to continue that rebellion.
The Robin Hood of Punjab
Because he fought against what the villagers saw as unfair taxes, and because he is said to have shared wealth with poor farmers, Dulla Bhatti is often called the Robin Hood of Punjab. Many stories are told about him. In one famous tale, his men captured Akbar during a hunt, and the emperor escaped by pretending to be a court jester. In another, Dulla spared the young Prince Salim because his quarrel was with the emperor and not with the emperor’s son.
Sundri and Mundri
The story linked most closely to Lohri is the story of two girls named Sundri and Mundri. In the folk tradition, they were poor girls, often described as Brahmin girls, who were in danger of being taken away by powerful men. Dulla Bhatti is said to have saved them, treated them as his own daughters, and arranged their marriages. In many versions of the tale, the weddings took place around the time of Lohri, and he gave the girls a small gift, often described as a measure of sugar, as their wedding present.
The tale of a Muslim chieftain protecting Hindu girls has been remembered for centuries as a symbol of the shared culture of Punjab.
What happened to Dulla Bhatti?
Popular accounts say Dulla Bhatti was captured and hanged in Lahore on Akbar’s orders, around the year 1599. Details differ from one telling to another. A tomb associated with him is said to be in Lahore, and the ballad of Dulla Bhatti is still sung in Pindi Bhattian.
Folklore and history
Historians agree that Dulla Bhatti was a real person who rebelled against Mughal rule. Some details, such as his role in rescuing girls, belong to the folk tradition and may have grown over time. This is natural for oral stories, and it is part of what makes Lohri a living tradition.
The Lohri song
The best-known Lohri folk song begins with the words ‘Sundar Mundriye’ and praises Dulla Bhatti. It is addressed to the two girls, recalls how Dulla found them a groom, and mentions the small wedding gifts he gave them. Children sing it as they go from house to house before Lohri, asking for sweets, jaggery, and peanuts. Receiving something is considered auspicious, and a house that sends children away empty-handed is said to miss out on the blessings of the festival.
How Lohri Is Celebrated
Before Lohri
In villages and neighbourhoods across Punjab, groups of children go from door to door in the days before Lohri, collecting logs, dried cow-dung cakes, and treats for the bonfire. They sing folk songs as they go. In cities, many families buy wood and prepare sweets in advance.
On the evening of Lohri
- Light the bonfire. As the sun sets, a fire is lit in an open courtyard, field, or street. The fire is usually made of wood, and in many villages dried cow-dung cakes are added.
- Offer into the fire. Family members take sesame seeds, jaggery, revdi, peanuts, popcorn, and puffed rice, circle the fire (usually clockwise), and place the offerings into the flames. A traditional chant is ‘Aadar aaye, dilather jaaye’, which means ‘May honour come in and poverty go out.’
- Share the prasad. The remaining sesame, jaggery, sweets, peanuts, and popcorn are shared with everyone present.
- Sing and dance. Folk songs fill the evening, and the dhol begins. Men dance Bhangra, and women dance Gidda, and everyone is welcome to join.
- Share a festive meal. Families sit down to a winter feast, often with sarson da saag and makki di roti.
The first Lohri
The first Lohri after a wedding or after a baby is born is considered especially important. Relatives bring gifts, sweets, clothes, and dry fruits, and the family hosts a larger celebration around the bonfire. Many families now also celebrate the first Lohri of baby girls, which is a welcome modern trend.
Traditional Lohri Foods
| Food | What it is | Why it is eaten |
|---|---|---|
| Sarson da saag | Slow-cooked mustard greens, often with spinach | Winter greens are at their best in January and are warming |
| Makki di roti | Flatbread made of maize flour, served with butter or ghee | Pairs with saag and keeps the body warm in the cold |
| Til (sesame) | Small seeds offered into the fire and eaten in sweets | Considered warming and auspicious in winter |
| Gur (jaggery) | Unrefined cane sugar | Linked to the sugarcane harvest and eaten for warmth |
| Revdi | Small sesame-coated sugar candies | A classic offering and gift of Lohri |
| Gajak | A crisp sweet made of sesame and jaggery or sugar | A popular winter sweet shared with guests |
| Peanuts and popcorn | Roasted peanuts and popped corn | Easy to share around the fire and offered into it |
A note for hosts: Sesame and peanuts are common allergens. If you are hosting guests, ask about allergies before sharing food.
Folk Songs, Bhangra, and Gidda
Music is at the heart of Lohri. The dhol, a large double-headed drum, sets the beat for Bhangra, the energetic men’s folk dance, and Gidda, the lively women’s dance with clapping and rhythmic verses called boliyan. Many community groups, schools, and gurdwaras hold Lohri programmes with live dhol, singing, and dance competitions. Even if you are new to these dances, joining in is the best way to feel the spirit of the festival.
Lohri Around India and the World
- Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The bonfire and folk dance are central, and many neighbourhoods organise community Lohri nights.
- Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. Lohri is celebrated with bonfires, songs, and special foods, and in Jammu, children also wear garlands made from dry fruits and sweets.
- Pakistan. Lohri is remembered in the Punjab province, especially in Lahore and Pindi Bhattian, where Dulla Bhatti’s memory is strongest.
- The Punjabi diaspora. Community centres, gurdwaras, schools, and families in the UK, Canada, the United States, and Australia host Lohri events and bonfires each January.
Lohri, Maghi, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Other Mid-January Festivals
Mid-January is a season of harvest and sun festivals across India. Here is how they connect.
| Festival | Where it is celebrated | What it is about |
|---|---|---|
| Lohri | Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu | The eve of Makar Sankranti, with a bonfire, songs, and harvest foods |
| Maghi | Punjab, among Sikhs | The first day of the month of Magh, remembering the Chali Mukte, the Forty Liberated Ones, with a major fair at Sri Muktsar Sahib |
| Makar Sankranti | Much of India | The Sun entering Capricorn, celebrated with til-gud sweets, holy dips, and kite flying |
| Pongal | Tamil Nadu | A harvest thanksgiving, marked by boiling fresh rice with jaggery |
| Magh Bihu | Assam | A harvest festival with community feasts and bonfires |
| Uttarayan | Gujarat | A kite festival that welcomes the Sun’s northward journey |
If you want to know more about Maghi and the other Sikh calendar dates, you can also read our guide to Sangrand dates for 2026 and 2027, since Maghi is the Sangrand of the month of Magh.
Bonfire Safety and Eco-Friendly Lohri Tips
A bonfire is the heart of Lohri, and a few simple habits keep it safe and kind to the environment.
- Choose a safe place. Light the fire in an open area, away from buildings, trees, wires, and parked vehicles.
- Keep water nearby. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher close, and never leave the fire unattended.
- Use dry wood only. Do not burn plastic, rubber, tyres, or treated wood, because they release harmful smoke.
- Keep children at a safe distance. Make sure children stand back, and keep loose clothing and long scarves away from the flames.
- Check local rules. Open burning is restricted in some cities, especially where winter air pollution is a concern. Check local guidelines before lighting a fire, and consider a smaller fire or a community bonfire.
- Put it out fully. When the celebration ends, extinguish the fire completely with water and check that the embers are cold.
Simple Ways to Celebrate Lohri at Home
- Light a small, safe bonfire, or if that is not possible, light diyas or candles in a safe spot.
- Prepare a simple Lohri plate with sesame, jaggery, revdi, peanuts, and popcorn to offer and to share.
- Cook a traditional meal such as sarson da saag and makki di roti, or a simple winter meal with warm sweets.
- Play folk music and dance Bhangra or Gidda with family and friends.
- Tell the story of Dulla Bhatti to children and ask them what they think about his courage and kindness.
- Share with others. Give sweets or a meal to neighbours, and think about those who may be alone or in need during the winter.
- Celebrate in a school or office. Many schools and workplaces host Lohri events with songs, simple sweets, and a short talk about the festival.
Lohri Wishes and Messages
If you want to send a message to friends and family, here are a few original ideas:
- “Wishing you warmth, joy, and a bright new beginning this Lohri. May your life be as sweet as jaggery and as bright as the bonfire.”
- “May the Lohri fire burn away your worries and fill your home with happiness and good health.”
- “Happy Lohri! May your fields and your life be full of abundance this year.”
- “Sending you sesame-sweet wishes this Lohri. May every day ahead be filled with love and laughter.”
- “Happy Lohri to you and your family. May the warmth of this fire stay with you all through the year.”
- “Lohri diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan! May the festival bring peace and prosperity to your home.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lohri in 2027?
Lohri in 2027 falls on Wednesday, January 13, 2027. A few panchangs that place Makar Sankranti on January 15 list Lohri on January 14, so follow your local community’s announcement.
When was Lohri in 2026?
Lohri 2026 was celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the evening before Makar Sankranti and Maghi on January 14.
Why is Lohri celebrated?
Lohri is celebrated to thank the Sun and Fire for the harvest, to mark the end of the coldest part of winter, and to welcome longer days. It is also a time for families and neighbours to come together.
Who is Dulla Bhatti?
Dulla Bhatti was a Punjabi chieftain from Pindi Bhattian who rebelled against the Mughal emperor Akbar’s revenue policies. He is remembered in Lohri songs as a protector of poor girls.
What is the Lohri song about?
The best-known Lohri song begins with ‘Sundar Mundriye’. It praises Dulla Bhatti for rescuing two girls, Sundri and Mundri, and arranging their marriages.
What do people offer into the Lohri fire?
People offer sesame seeds, jaggery, revdi, peanuts, popcorn, and puffed rice, and then share the same items as prasad.
What is the first Lohri?
The first Lohri is the first Lohri after a wedding or the birth of a child. Families celebrate it with gifts, sweets, and a larger bonfire gathering.
Is Lohri a Sikh or a Hindu festival?
Lohri is a Punjabi cultural and harvest festival, celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, and people of other faiths. It is not tied to any one religion.
What is the difference between Lohri and Makar Sankranti?
Lohri is the bonfire festival held on the evening before Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is the day the Sun enters Capricorn, and it is celebrated with holy dips, kite flying, and sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
What foods are eaten on Lohri?
Traditional foods include sarson da saag, makki di roti, sesame and jaggery sweets, gajak, revdi, peanuts, and popcorn.
What is Lal Loi?
Lal Loi is another name used for Lohri in some places.
Is Lohri a public holiday?
Lohri is observed as a holiday in parts of North India, but holiday lists differ by state, country, and employer. Check your official holiday calendar.