Lohri and Makar Sankranti (original comparison table)
This table is preserved from your original page.
| Festival | Description | Relation to Sankranti | Significance | Celebration | Difference from Makar Sankranti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lohri | Lohri, a well-known winter folk festival, is mainly celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus from the Punjab region in India. It signifies the end of winter and is traditionally held on January 13th. | Lohri falls on the day before Makar Sankranti and is connected to the solar cycle, while Sankranti is associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit). | Lohri celebrates the harvest of winter crops, offering gratitude to the natural elements like fire and sun for their blessings on the Rabi crops. | During celebrations, people light bonfires, sing and dance around them, and enjoy festive foods such as gajak, sarson da saag with makki di roti, and puffed rice. They also symbolically let go of the past and welcome the future by throwing sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaris into the fire. | Lohri is predominantly celebrated in Punjab, highlighting the cultural importance of winter crop harvests, while Makar Sankranti is a religious festival observed throughout India under different names and customs, signifying the sun's move into Capricorn. |
| Makar Sankranti | Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian solar festival known by various names in different parts of the country. It is observed each year in January and marks the first day of the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn), signaling the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. | Makar Sankranti falls on the day following Lohri and marks the sun's entry into Capricorn in astrology. | The festival holds great importance as it honors the sun god Surya, signifying the start of a favorable phase and the conclusion of an unfavorable period. It is a harvest celebration that commemorates the fresh harvest season and represents change and fresh starts. | Makar Sankranti is observed by taking sacred baths in rivers, flying kites, and sharing sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery. The festival is also called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. | Makar Sankranti is celebrated more widely across India and has different cultural manifestations, whereas Lohri is predominantly a Punjabi festival. Sankranti is more about the sun's transition and is marked by kite flying and holy dips, while Lohri is centered around the bonfire and harvest celebration. |
Lohri rituals and traditions
Bonfire (Lohri da Ag)
Families come together around a bonfire, offering prayers and singing folk songs as they circle around it.
Offerings
Sesame seeds, jaggery, rewri, gajak, peanuts, and popcorn are presented as tokens of gratitude to the fire.
Dhol & Bhangra/Giddha
Traditional dancing and dhol beats create a joyful community vibe.
Community sharing
Neighbors, friends, and visitors are treated to Prasad and festive snacks.
Traditional Lohri foods
Winter treats
Rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, til laddoo, and jaggery-based sweets.
Punjabi meal favorites
Mustard greens served with cornmeal bread, chickpeas, rice pudding, and a steaming cup of tea.
Sankranti sweets
Til-gud/tilkut and sesame-jaggery sweets are also popularly enjoyed the day after Makar Sank
Lohri → Sankranti: 2-day festival flow
1
Night of Jan 13
Lohri celebrations with bonfire, songs, dance, and offerings.
2
Morning of Jan 14 (usually)
Makar Sankranti traditions include taking a holy dip, performing Surya puja, giving to charity, and flying k
Lohri wishes (copy & share)
Short messages you can send to friends and family.
Tip: Add emojis 🔥🌾🌞🪁 for extra festive feel.
FAQ
Is Lohri a harvest festival?
Indeed, Lohri is intricately connected to the winter harvest and appreciation for nature, particularly in Punjab.
How is Lohri connected to Makar Sankranti?
Lohri is commonly observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, signaling the shift in seasons in mid-January.
What is the main symbol of Lohri?
The bonfire is central—representing warmth, community, and a fresh start.
Welcome Sankranti
Traditional cards for Makar Sankranti
Send Cards
Modern art card showing spirit of Sankranti