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In Punjab and northern India, Lohri, which will be observed on January 13, 2025, signifies the end of winter and the start of the harvest season. During this time, families and communities participate in singing local-oriented songs, dancing, performing firemaking, great food sharing and other related activities. The celebration represents gratitude for the harvest and the sun's warmth as it rises in the sky.
The main focus of people on Lohri is the meal served, with traditional dishes that highlight the season's agricultural abundance. Without some traditional dishes that entice the palate and have profound cultural meaning, the celebration of Lohri is incomplete.
Makki Ki Roti & Sarson Da Saag
Every Lohri celebration revolves around the traditional pairing of sarson da saag and makki ki roti. This classic Punjabi pair is the ideal symbol of the harvest season. The delicious, thick, smooth, mustard greens recipe perfectly complements the homemade cornmeal rotis made to crisp up on the right tava. The abundance of winter greens is highlighted in the saag, which is slow-cooked with spices and topped with a big dollop of white butter. This meal is an essential component of the Lohri thali since it not only keeps people warm during the chilly winter months but also honours the area's agricultural heritage.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Pakore
In North Indian culture, winter evenings and hot pakoras have an unbreakable connection making them an ideal complement to the Lohri festival. Dipped in a precisely spiced gram flour batter, these crispy fritters are deep-fried to golden perfection using seasonal veggies like potatoes, gobi, onions, and spinach. The key to this dish is the perfect crunch and spice levels. These fritters not only provide warmth but also build friendship among guests around the Lohri bonfire. They go well with their crunchiness when served with tangy chutneys like tamarind sauce or mint. Adding pakore to your Lohri ki thali gives it a delicious crunch and makes the whole celebration more enjoyable.
Dahi Bhalla
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in cold yoghurt and garnished with spices and tart tamarind chutney make up the delightful food known as dahi bhalla. Unlike the warm meal common with other Lohri delicacies, this meal cools the system. Black gram, or urad dal, is soaked overnight, pounded into a uniform batter, formed into tiny balls, and deep-fried till golden to make dahi bhalle. They are served in yoghurt after being boiled and soaked in water to soften them.
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Til Ki Chikki
Sesame brittle, also known as til ki chikki, is a traditional Lohri treat that represents wealth and good fortune. This crispy and chewy dessert is made with roasted sesame seeds combined with jaggery syrup and then formed into squares or bars. Healthy for you, especially if you include it in your diet menu since it is rich in calcium and antioxidant compounds taken from sesame seeds. To make til ki chikki, melt the jaggery until it becomes a soft ball and then stir in the toasted sesame seeds. It can be easily served by cutting it into pieces when it has cooled. In addition to satisfying your sweet craving, adding this delicious dessert to your Lohri ki thali will bring you luck in the coming year.
Gur Ki Gajak
Gur ki gajak, a dessert prepared with jaggery and peanuts or sesame seeds, is another must-try treat during Lohri. These crispy bites’ warming qualities and nutritional advantages make it a popular wintertime snack. Jaggery contains important vitamins and minerals and is used as a sweetener. Jaggery is melted down and combined with sesame seeds or roasted peanuts to form gur ki gajak. After cooling on an oiled surface, the mixture is spread out and cut into bars or squares. It applies the essence of sharing happiness and warmth during the Lohri meal and is sweet to taste as well.
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Atta Ladoo
Nuts, jaggery or sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and whole wheat flour (atta) are the ingredients of atta ladoo, a healthy dessert. These round balls are the ideal honour after dancing around the bonfire during Lohri celebrations because they are not only delicious but also energising. Atta ladoo is made by roasting whole wheat flour in ghee until it becomes aromatic, then combining it with sugar or jaggery syrup and chopped cashews or almonds. After mixing, the mixture is still warm and formed into tiny balls. These ladoos are perfect for your Lohri ki thali because they are tasty and healthy and can be stored for days.
Murmure Ke Ladoo
Made from puffed rice (murmura), murmure ke ladoo is a light and filling dessert that is frequently consumed during celebrations such as Lohri. Making these ladoos is easy; combining melted chocolate or jaggery syrup with puffed rice makes a tasty treat that is suitable for all ages. That includes heating the jaggery until it melts then adding the puffed rice and while it is still hot, the mixture is shaped into balls. With its crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with other softer foods on your thali, murmure ke ladoo offers variation to your Lohri feast.
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Gajar Ka Halwa
Lastly, gajar ka halwa, a sweet treat made from grated carrots simmered gently with milk, sugar, and ghee until thickened, is a must-have for any Lohri party. When fresh carrots are plentiful in the winter, this warm treat is particularly popular. Grated carrots are sautéed in ghee, followed by the addition of milk and boiling until the majority of the liquid evaporates to make gajar ka halwa. Towards the end, cardamom and sugar are added to enhance the flavour. This rich dessert, which also uses seasonal fruits during the celebration and can mark the end of your Lohri dinner, is decorated with nuts such as pistachios or almonds.
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