Chandigarh | January 13, 2026 

 Northern India lit up with celebrations on Tuesday as people welcomed Lohri, a vibrant festival that marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Observed every year on January 13, Lohri is celebrated with bonfires, traditional songs, dances, and festive treats, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest and the warmth of community.

The festival holds great importance in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, where it is linked to the harvest of sugarcane, sesame seeds, and rabi crops. Families gather around roaring bonfires, tossing sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn into the flames as offerings while singing folk songs that honor agricultural abundance and rural life.

Beyond its agricultural significance, Lohri also celebrates new beginnings. Families with newborns or newlyweds perform special rituals to bless them, making the festival even more joyous. Energetic folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda fill the air with cheer, while traditional sweets such as til laddoo, gajak, and rewari add flavor to the festivities.

Lohri’s cultural essence resonates beyond Punjab, reflecting themes of gratitude, community bonding, and the changing seasons. The festival reminds everyone that even in the coldest winters, hope, warmth, and togetherness continue to light up lives.

Lohri 2026: Northern India Celebrates the Festival of Harvest, Fire, and Togetherness

 As the crisp winter air settles over Northern India, communities came together on Tuesday to celebrate Lohri, a festival that marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days. Traditionally observed on January 13, Lohri is celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, dances, and feasts, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest and the triumph of light over darkness.

Lohri holds special significance in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, where it is a time to honor the sun’s journey towards the north and pray for prosperity. The festival is particularly associated with the harvest of sugarcane, sesame seeds, and rabi crops. Families gather around blazing bonfires, tossing sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn into the flames as offerings to the elements, while singing traditional songs that celebrate rural life and agrarian prosperity.

Apart from agricultural importance, Lohri is also celebrated as a social festival marking new beginnings. It is particularly joyous for families with newborns or newlyweds, as special rituals are performed to bless new members of the household. Folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda bring communities together, while traditional sweets such as til laddoo, gajak, and rewari fill homes with festive cheer.

The festival’s cultural richness goes beyond Punjab, with similar celebrations under different names across India, echoing themes of gratitude, community bonding, and seasonal change. Lohri is a reminder that amidst the harsh winters, human spirit, hope, and togetherness continue to shine bright.