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-loved winter festival, is mainly celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus from the Punjab region in India. This festival, which falls on the 13th of January, signifies the end of winter. | Lohri is observed the day before Makar Sankranti, marking the solar cycle, while Sankranti is associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit). | Lohri celebrates the harvesting of winter crops, expressing gratitude to the natural elements, particularly fire and sun, for their blessings on the Rabi crops. | The festivities consist of lighting a bonfire, singing and dancing around it, and enjoying traditional foods such as gajak, sarson da saag with makki di roti, and puffed rice. Participants toss sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaris into the flames to signify releasing the past and embracing the future. | Lohri is predominantly celebrated in Punjab with a cultural emphasis on winter crop harvest, while Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India with diverse rituals and names, highlighting a religious significance as it marks the sun's transition 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 is observed the day following Lohri and is associated with the astrological event of the sun moving into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. | The festival holds great importance as it honors the sun god Surya, signifying the start of a fortunate time and the conclusion of an unfavorable period. This harvest celebration marks the beginning of a new harvest season, symbolizing change and fresh starts. | Makar Sankranti is observed by bathing in rivers, flying kites, and sharing sweets made from 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 by a bonfire, offering prayers, circling around it, and singing folk songs.
Offerings
Sesame seeds, jaggery, rewri, gajak, peanuts, and popcorn are all offered into the fire as a gesture of gratitude.
Dhol & Bhangra/Giddha
Traditional dancing and dhol beats create a joyful community vibe.
Community sharing
Neighbors, friends, and visitors partake in sharing Prasad and festive snacks.
Traditional Lohri foods
Winter treats
Rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, til laddoo, and jaggery-based sweets.
Punjabi meal favorites
Mustard greens with corn flatbread, chickpeas, rice pudding, and hot tea.
Sankranti sweets
Til-gud/tilkut and sesame-jaggery sweets are a popular treat the day after Makar Sankr
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 sacred bath, worshipping the sun, giving to charity, and flying kites in
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 expressing gratitude to nature, particularly in the region of Punjab.
How is Lohri connected to Makar Sankranti?
Lohri is usually observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, signifying the seasonal shift 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