Lohri is a popular winter festival celebrated primarily in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, as well as among the Punjabi diaspora around the world. It usually falls on the 13th or 14th of January every year and marks the culmination of the winter season.
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The festival has both religious and cultural significance. Religiously, Lohri is linked to the harvest season and the winter solstice. Culturally, it is a time for communities to come together, celebrate, and express gratitude for a good harvest.
The central element of Lohri celebrations is the bonfire. People gather around a bonfire, throw offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn into it, sing traditional folk songs and dance around it.
Folk dances like Bhangra (performed by men) and Gidda (performed by women) are an integral part of Lohri celebrations. These dances are characterised by energetic and rhythmic movements.
Special foods are prepared for Lohri using sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), peanuts, and popcorn. Sarson da Saag (mustard greens) and Makki di Roti (cornflour flatbread) are also popular dishes during this festival.