When is Lohri

Celebrate Lohri on January 13

Lohri - the popular bonfire festival of North India is celebrated on 13th January every year. As the date of Lohri is decided according to the position of the sun its date remains fixed. Lohri marks the coldest day of winter. People of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi joyfully pass it by dancing around the sacred bonfires. Lohri Festival gives some respite to the people as it marks the end of tough winter season.

Significance of Lohri Date

The 13th day of January or the date of Lohri is considered extremely auspicious by Hindus as it marks the sun’s entry in to the 'Makar Rashi' (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. In other words, sun starts moving towards Uttarayan (North) from Dakshinayana (south). The earth is farthest from the sun at this time and begins its journey towards the sun. Thus, marking the end of the coldest month of the year (Paush) and the beginning of the month of Magh (January- February). Lohri also marks the last day of the month of Maargazhi, the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

The period of Uttarayan (January 14 to July 14) is regarded sacred by Hindus. According to Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna manifests himself in his full magnificence during this time. Festival of Lohri is succeeded by Makar Sankranthi. The auspicious date of Sankranthi (January 14) is celebrated all over the country by different names and in different manner.

Promise of Golden Harvest

In Punjab, Rabi or winter crop is sown in the month of October and harvested in the month of March or April. For the farming community mid-January is an apt time to celebrate Lohri as fields are blooming and promising a golden harvest at that time. Besides, January is the period of rest for farmers as there is still sometime before they begin cutting of the crop.