Lohri 2024: Date, Significance And Food Traditions Of The Harvest Festival

As the year kicks off and the winter chill is still nipping in the air, it’s time for the first festival of the year to get underway. Lohri is a Punjabi festival which signifies the end of the winter solstice and the onset of longer days. Additionally, it holds significance in agriculture, symbolising the harvesting season in Punjab.

It’s celebrated annually, in the month of Paush, a day before Makar Sankranti. It’s most prevalent in Punjab but also holds popularity in other regions of the country, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu. Unlike many Indian festivals, it typically falls on the same day every year, but in 2024 it will be celebrated on Sunday the 14th of January.

Originally, it was observed on the evening before the Winter Solstice, but in recent years, it is now celebrated on the day preceding Makar Sankranti. Lohri, also known as Lohadi or Lal Loi, is a festival closely linked to Makar Sankranti. Traditionally, the Lohri festival is associated with the harvest of rabi crops, particularly the harvesting of sugarcane crops. 

Also Read: Lohri 2024: 6 Dishes To Serve At Your Party For Seasonal Flavours

The Tale Of Dulla Bhatti

A tale frequently associated with the festival is that of Dulla Bhatti. The legend of Dulha Bhatti dates back to the 16th century, during the rule of the Mughal emperor Akbar. He was a dacoit known for robbing the rich to assist the poor with both money and food. Dulha Bhatti, a courageous warrior, gained popularity in Punjab for his deeds in aiding the common people. The festival of Lohri is believed to honour Dulha Bhatti's bravery and his resistance against the tyranny of the Mughal rulers and for rescuing two young girls, Sundri and Mundri, who have now become part of Punjab's folklore as Sunder Mudriye. During Lohri celebrations traditional Punjabi folk songs and dances are performed as a tribute to Dulha Bhatti and women chant ‘Sunder mundriye ho!’ as a testament to this old legend.

Food Traditions Of Lohri

Part of traditional Lohri celebrations is the prominence of winter crops and the celebration of the upcoming bountiful harvest. The winter dish Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Roti (mustard green stew with corn roti) is a popular dish for the day. As night falls bonfires illuminate harvested fields and the front yards of homes. Gathered around the flames, people form circles and toss puffed rice, snacks, and popcorn into the fire while humming popular folk songs. They offer prayers to the fire god, seeking blessings for the land's prosperity and abundance. The prasad, comprising five significant items, includes gajak, til, jaggery, popcorn, and peanuts.

As the evening goes on it’s a celebration of abundance, joy, music, dance and food as people welcome the coming of a new season and all the agricultural wealth yet to come.