The Bonfire Festival
As winter fades away and longer days approach, we come together to celebrate gratitude, community, and the hope of spring.
Wood Stacked
Why We Celebrate
Lohri is one of the most vibrant festivals of North India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. At its heart burns a bonfire, around which communities gather to sing, dance, and offer gratitude to nature. It signals the transition from winter's peak to the promise of spring.
Agricultural Roots
Traditionally celebrated by farmers to mark the harvesting of the Rabi crop (especially wheat). It's a prayer for a good harvest.
Social Bond
A major event for newborns and newlyweds, representing fresh starts, abundance, and the perpetuation of the family line.
The Legend of Dulla Bhatti
Often called the "Robin Hood of Punjab," Dulla Bhatti, a prominent figure in Lohri legends, lived in the Mughal era and was renowned for saving girls from slavery, organizing their weddings, and safeguarding their dignity.
"Sundri-Mundri hoye! Tera kaun vicharaa! Dulla Bhatti wala!"
This traditional song is sung by people to celebrate his bravery and kindness, adding a strong moral element of righteousness and safeguarding to Lohri.
Seasonal Marker
Marking the conclusion of the frigid days, the daylight hours begin to lengthen as the sun begins its northern ascent.
Community
Sharing sweets such as rewri, gajak, and peanuts among neighbors fosters strong social connections vital in agrarian communities.
New Beginnings
The initial Lohri for a bride or newborn is joyously observed with lavish celebrations, presents, and traditional songs of well wishes.
Lohri & Makar Sankranti
Although they both hold astronomical and agricultural importance, Lohri is commonly seen as the precursor to Makar Sankranti, with distinct regional variations.
Lohri
January 13 • North India
- Focus: Fire-centered ritual celebration.
- Core Region: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal.
- Key Action: Bonfire, Folk Dance (Bhangra/Gidda).
- Legend: Dulla Bhatti & Folk heroes.
Makar Sankranti
January 14 • Pan-India
- Focus: Cosmic/Astronomical event (Uttarayan).
- Core Region: All India (known as Pongal, Bihu, Uttarayan).
- Key Action: Holy dips, Kite flying, Worship of Sun God.
- Significance: Sun entering Capricorn (Makar).
Regional Variations
Agni: The Sacred Fire
Divine Messenger
In Hindu philosophy, Agni Acts as a conduit between mortals and deities, as symbolic offerings of sesame, jaggery, and peanuts are cast into the flames as prayers to the divine realm.
Purification & Renewal
The bonfire symbolizes the cleansing of negativity, sickness, and winter's gloom. It brings a sense of spiritual rebirth, offering both physical warmth and emotional uplift.
Protection
In the past, winter was linked to a sense of vulnerability. People would light bonfires to protect themselves from evil spirits and misfortune, with the rising flames symbolizing the strengthening power of the Sun.
The bonfire at the heart of Lohri links the terrestrial to the celestial, the bygone to the current, and people to their society.