Lohri 2026: Bonfire Rituals And Enduring Tale Of Dulla Bhatti

New Delhi: Lohri, one of northern India's most vibrant winter festivals, is being marked on Tuesday. It falls on the night before the Makar Sankranti, the solar festival that follows Lohri every year. 

When is Lohri Being Celebrated This Year?

Lohri is traditionally celebrated every year on January 13, marking the end of winter and the eve of Makar Sankranti, a significant harvest festival in North India, especially Punjab, signifying the sun's northward journey and the return of longer, warmer days, observed with bonfires, traditional songs, dances, and special foods

What Traditions Are at the Heart of the Festival?

Across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Delhi, families and communities gather on evening around open spaces and in courtyards to light bonfires, a central ritual of Lohri. People offer sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, gajak and popcorn into the flames while circling the fire and praying for prosperity and good health ahead. 

The bonfire is more than warmth against winter’s chill. It stands for community togetherness, gratitude for the harvest and hope for the year ahead. Songs and traditional beats often accompany dances like bhangra and gidda, and children sing folk tunes door-to-door, collecting treats from neighbours. 

Who Was Dulla Bhatti and Why Is He Remembered on Lohri?

A key part of Lohri celebrations is the folklore of Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century Punjabi folk hero whose bravery and sense of justice have made him an enduring symbol of the festival. According to tradition, Bhatti stood up against oppression and helped protect and arrange marriages for young girls who were sold in the Sandal Bar region, earning a place in Lohri songs still sung today. 

The popular refrain in many Lohri songs, "Sundri, Mundriye ho, Dulla Bhatti wala ho", reflects this legacy. His story adds a cultural and moral layer to the harvest celebration, reminding people of compassion and courage alongside seasonal change. 

What Else Makes Lohri Special?

For many, Lohri is not just about crops and harvest. It's a milestone in family life, marking occasions such as a newborn's first Lohri or the first Lohri after a wedding. Special dishes like makki di roti and sarson da saag, sweets like gajak and rewri, and lively gatherings make it a memorable night for people of all ages.