Lohri 2017: Date, Customs, Traditions, Significance, History and Legends

All you want to know about the popular Punjabi festival – the bonfire and other rituals of this harvest festival and why it is celebrated. Celebrated with different names such as Lohri, Pongal, Bihu among others, each region acknowledge the gifts of nature and say thanks for a bountiful harvest.

This festival is usually celebrated on January 13 each year. Lohri is closely linked to Hindu festival Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated one day after that. There is a belief that this Punjabi festival marks the culmination of winter by worshiping the bonfire fire. The festivity is a way to solemnise harvesting of the Rabi (winter) crops and enjoying the traditional folk songs and dances and amazing food.

Let' Sing

Sunder mundriye ho!
Tera kaun vicharaa ho!
Dullah Bhatti walla ho!
Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!
Ser shakkar payee ho!
Kudi da laal pathaka ho!
Kudi da saalu paata ho!
Salu kaun samete!
Chache choori kutti! zamidara lutti!
Zamindaar sudhaye!
Bade bhole aaye!
Ek bhola reh gaya!
Sipahee far ke lai gaya!
Sipahee ne mari itt!
Sanoo de de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!
(Cry or howl!)
Bhaanvey ro te bhaanvey pitt!