India is one of the most popular countries worldwide. From beautiful locations to multiple religions, numerous languages, vibrant festivals, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, the country is loved for all good reasons. The country has a rich history, culture and heritage. Clothes, festivals, religions, food, music, dance, art, and architecture—everything in India is worth praising and applauding. India is also famous as the land of festivals. Every festival like Lohri, Diwali, EID, and Gurpurab is celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm.

One of the favourite and most loved Indian festivals is Lohri which is celebrated with your nears and dears. From a holy bonfire to delicious food items, dance, music, and a bout of laughter, Lohri is all about happiness, joy and pleasure. With Lohri 2023 around the corner, it’s a perfect time to light up your homes and shop for food items like gajak, gur, peanuts and popcorn. But the festival of happiness, Lohri, is more than that.

Have you ever thought about the significance of a bonfire? Or Why do people revolve around the bonfire? There are many facts about Lohri that you may not know.

In this blog, we have listed some of the details about Lohri that may amaze you. Without further wait, let’s get started.

7 Things About Lohri That You Should Know

1. Concept Of Lohri

Many people may not know but Lohri has been derived from the word ‘Tilohri’ which is made of two words each having its own meaning. It comprises ‘til’ which means sesame and ‘rorhi’ which means gur or jaggery. However, eventually, over the period, the festival is now called Lohri.

As per an old belief, both sesame and jaggery are the best food items that can help you detoxify and clean your body. It is believed these ingredients help you boost positive energy within you. This is the reason why food items like gur, til, and gajak are offered to the bonfire to thank nature and the almighty.

Furthermore, it is also said that the Lohri has been derived from the word ‘loh’ which means light of the fire and warmth.

2. Significance Of Bonfire

No Lohri celebrations are complete without lighting a bonfire. But what is the significance of a bonfire? It is a holy custom that brings prosperity and happiness. Bonfire represents Lord Agni. It is believed that people offer Lord Agni pious festival food items like Gur, til and gajak to seek his blessings and happiness.

Moreover, walking around the holy bonfire helps you bring more prosperity, happiness and positivity to your lives. The day is meant to help people get rid of all negativity and live a happier, more positive and healthier life.

3. Harvest Festival

Lohri also marks the festival of harvest for farmers. Rabi, a famous winter crop is harvested during the Lohri season. On this auspicious day, farmers pray and thank the almighty before beginning the harvesting. They pray to Lord Agni to shower abundant blessings on their land and make it more productive and effective.

While taking rounds around the holy bonfire, they even chant a famous mantra “Aadar Aye Dilather Jaye” which means may honour come and poverty vanish.

4. Symbolises The End Of The Winter Season

Symbolises The End Of The Winter Season This year, Lohri is going to be celebrated on 14th January. The date signifies the end of the winter season. Let’s know little more about celebration date, Lohri moments, featured in religion and the related information.

Lohri 2023: Date and Time As per Drik Panchang

Lohri Celebration – 14 January 2023

Lohri Sankranti Moment – 14 January 2023 Approximate around 8:57 PM

Featured In Religions – Sikhism. Hinduism

One of the special things about Lohri is that it signifies the end of the winter season. It is believed that Lohri is the cold day of the winter season. After Lohri, each passing day gets longer and warmer. Moreover, it signifies the onset of spring, the season of flowers.

Please don’t confuse yourself with Holi which symbolises the end of the Spring season and the start of Summer.

5. Delicious Winter Food Items

No festive celebrations and events are complete with good food. Good food uplifts your mood and festive vibes. And this rings true in the case of Lohri also.

There is a range of traditional and delicious food items cooked on this prosperous day. This includes Sarson Ka Saag, Makki Ki Roti, Pindi Channe, Gur ki Roti, and Chiraunji Makhane ki Kheer.

Related: 4 Reasons why you Should eat more Fermented Foods

6. Marks a New Financial Year

Apart from being called the festival of harvest and happiness, one of the important things about Lohri that you may not know is that it also holds a historical significance. Yes, you read that right!

Earlier winter crops revenue was collected on Lohri. However, things have changed over the time period. But this ritual is somewhere still followed in Punjab and is given importance in the Sikh community.

7. Holds A Religious Value

Lohri holds a significant religious value both in Hinduism and Sikhism. Lohri has different meanings, variations and history as per different religions. As per Hindu culture, Lohri has been named after the name of Goddess Lohri who was the sister of Holika celebrated on Holi.

While Lohri is called Lohi in Punjab. Lohi was the wife of Sant Kabir who was a significant figure in the Sikh religion.

However, Lohri majorly holds a traditional value. As mentioned above, it was called Tilohri which was eventually changed into Lohri over the years.

In The End…

Above all, Lohri is a Punjabi festival celebrated in the northern region of the country. It conveys a deeper meaning and offers a way to thank the almighty for all good things. The festival is enjoyed while dancing to the beats of the dhol and having a delicious feast. Hopefully, now you know the exact facts about Lohri.

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Lohri. May the festival bring a lot of happiness and prosperity to your life.