Lohri is one of the most vibrant and eagerly awaited festivals, especially in Punjab. Celebrated every year on January 13, Lohri marks the end of the harsh winter season and the beginning of longer days, symbolising hope, warmth, and prosperity. This festival is deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and closely associated with the harvest of rabi crops such as wheat, sugarcane, and sesame. For farmers, Lohri is a time of joy and gratitude, a celebration of the fruits of their hard work throughout the year.
At the heart of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, which represents light, warmth, and positivity. As the evening sets in, families and communities gather around this sacred fire. People throw sesame seeds, jaggery, popcorn, and peanuts into the flames as offerings to the Sun God, praying for a prosperous harvest and good fortune in the coming year. The crackling fire, the aroma of roasted treats, and the laughter of family and friends create a lively and heartwarming atmosphere that defines the festival.
Music and dance are essential elements of Lohri. The beats of the dhol echo through villages and towns, inspiring people to perform the energetic Bhangra and the graceful Gidda. Traditional folk songs are sung, celebrating stories of bravery and heroism, particularly those of Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who is remembered for protecting the poor and downtrodden. These songs and dances are more than just entertainment; they preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community bonds. Beyond its rituals and festivities, Lohri is a festival that emphasises gratitude, togetherness, and connection to nature.
President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, asserting that the festivals are symbols of India’s rich agricultural traditions and national unity.
देश-विदेश में रहने वाले सभी भारतीयों को लोहड़ी, मकर संक्रांति, पोंगल और माघ बिहु की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। ये पर्व भारत की समृद्ध कृषि परंपराओं तथा राष्ट्रीय एकता के प्रतीक हैं। इस अवसर पर हम प्रकृति के प्रति कृतज्ञता भी व्यक्त करते हैं। इन त्योहारों के माध्यम से हम अन्नदाता किसानों…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 13, 2026
President Murmu also expressed gratitude to nature and thanked the farmer benefactors.
“Heartfelt greetings to all Indians living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. These festivals are symbols of India’s rich agricultural traditions and national unity. On this occasion, we also express our gratitude towards nature. Through these festivals, we convey our thanks to the farmer benefactors. My best wishes are that these festivals bring happiness and prosperity into everyone’s lives,” the ‘X’ post said.
उत्साह, उमंग व नई ऊर्जा के प्रतीक ‘लोहड़ी’ पर्व की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।
यह पर्व सभी की सुख-समृद्धि का माध्यम बने।ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹ, ਉਮੰਗ ਅਤੇ ਨਵੀਂ ਊਰਜਾ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਕ ‘ਲੋਹੜੀ’ ਦੇ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਦੀਆਂ ਲੱਖ-ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ।
ਇਹ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਸੁਖ-ਸਮ੍ਰਿਧੀ ਲਿਆਵੇ। pic.twitter.com/FoM1Zy2q2n— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 13, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on Lohri and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the citizens. “Heartfelt greetings on the festival of ‘Lohri’, a symbol of enthusiasm, zeal, and new energy. May this festival be a means of happiness and prosperity for all,” the ‘X’ post said.
