When is Lohri 2025? Date, history, significance; all you need to know

Lohri, a festival of joy, cheer, and fresh beginnings, is celebrated across India, especially in the Northern states, and is filled with love, warmth, and energy.

States like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi host grand Lohri festivities, with communities gathering around the sacred fire, sharing food items like jaggery, sugarcane, sesame, and more. Lohri, along with Makar Sankranti the next day, signifies the end of winter chills and the arrival of longer, sunnier days.

Lohri 2025: Date

In 2025, Lohri will be observed on Monday, January 13.

According to Drik Panchang:

• Lohri: Monday, January 13, 2025
• Lohri Sankranti Moment: 9:03 AM, January 14
• Makar Sankranti: Tuesday, January 14, 2025

 Lohri 2025: History

The origins of Lohri lie in folklore and family traditions that have been followed for generations. It has always been a harvest festival, especially significant for families whose livelihoods depend on farming.

Today, the festival is also associated with fire worship, symbolising warmth. After Lohri, the harsh winter begins to wane, and the days grow longer. Special offerings are made to the fire, believed to bring prosperity and ward off negativity.

Lohri 2025: Significance 

Lohri holds immense importance for those connected to agriculture. It not only brings happiness but also marks a period essential for the growth of crops.

The festival coincides with the harvest of rabi crops like sugarcane, wheat, and mustard. It also signifies the end of the sowing season and the start of a new agricultural cycle, making it a way to thank nature and the divine for the harvest.

In modern times, Lohri serves as an opportunity for people to reconnect with family, friends, and neighbours. Communities come together in the evening to light a bonfire, sing folk songs, dance, share food, and celebrate togetherness.

The story of Lohri

A well-known story associated with Lohri is that of Dulla Bhatti, a hero who saved many girls from Mughal oppression.

Dulla Bhatti, a Muslim Rajput, lived during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He became a local legend for his rebellion against oppressive practices, similar to his father and grandfather. Dulla is remembered as the "Robin Hood of Punjab" for his bravery.

The popular song Sunder Mundriye sung during Lohri honours him, as he is said to have saved two girls from being sold as slaves and arranged their marriages during Lohri.

Lohri celebrations 

Modern Lohri celebrations remain as vibrant as ever.

The bonfire is central to the festivities, with people gathering around it to sing folk songs and perform traditional dances like bhangra and giddha. Offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, popcorn, and peanuts are made to the fire as a gesture of gratitude.

Special dishes like makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, til ke laddoo, gajjak, chikki, and revri are prepared and enjoyed.

The first Lohri of a newborn or a newlywed couple is especially significant in many families. These occasions are celebrated with special rituals, blessings, and pujas. New mothers and newlyweds receive wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good health, making Lohri a festival filled with love and positive energy.