Lohri 2026 Date and Muhurat Lohri is one of the most heart-warming festivals celebrated in India, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. On the occasion of this festival, families gather around the sacred bonfire, offer prayers, sing folk songs, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. If you are searching for when is Lohri in 2026, this detailed guide will help you understand everything about the Lohri festival, including its dates, significance, rituals, and cultural importance.

In this blog, we will explore the Lohri 2026 dates, correct Lohri muhurat, why we celebrate Lohri, its rituals, and how the festival is celebrated across different states. Whether you celebrate every year or want to understand the festival more deeply, this blog by the most genuine and top astrologer in Delhi, NCR– Pandit Pawan Kaushik will give you complete clarity.

Lohri 2026 Date & Muhurat

The festival of Lohri in 2026 will be celebrated with joy and devotion across India.



Lohri 2026 Date: Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Many people ask, “When is Lohri in 2026?” Lohri always falls on 13 January, one day before Makar Sankranti. This day marks the end of the winter solstice and the return of longer days.

Lohri 2026 Muhurat

While Lohri is traditionally celebrated in the evening after sunset, many people look for the correct timing and ritual hours. Here is the important information:
  • Lohri Bonfire Ritual Time (approx): After 5:45 PM (sunset)
  • Best Time for Lohri Parikrama: Between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Shubh Choghadiya: Evening hours are generally considered auspicious for Lohri puja.
These timings help you perform the rituals properly, and they hold cultural importance across regions.

On the auspicious occasion of Lohri, families gather around the bonfire and put sesame, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn into it to seek blessings for prosperity.

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What Is Lohri Festival?

Lohri is a traditional winter harvest festival celebrated mainly in North India. It marks the time when farmers bring home the final harvest of the Rabi crop, especially wheat.

The word Lohri is believed to come from Loh, meaning the warmth and light of the fire. The festival represents:
  • The victory of warmth over cold
  • The celebration of harvest
  • New beginnings and fresh energy in life
The Lohri festival is also deeply connected to Punjabi culture, folk music, and ancient traditions. During this festival, people express gratitude to nature, the Sun, and fire for abundance and protection.

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Why We Celebrate Lohri

Lohri is celebrated to honor the harvest season and to thank nature for prosperity. It is also linked with Sun worship, fertility, good health, and protection from negative energies.

The meaning behind why we celebrate Lohri includes:

Celebration of the Winter Harvest

Farmers celebrate the arrival of fresh crops and pray for abundance in the coming season.

End of Harsh Winter

Lohri marks the end of cold days and the beginning of longer, brighter days filled with hope.

Cultural and Social Harmony

Families visit each other, exchange sweets, and enjoy traditional music and dance.

Legend of Dulla Bhatti

The festival also honors the legendary hero Dulla Bhatti, who protected women and helped poor families. Folk songs sung during Lohri narrate his bravery.

Lohri Festival Rituals

Rituals play a very important role in the Lohri festival, as they bring positive energy and meaningful traditions into the celebration.

Here are the key rituals followed during Lohri:

Lighting the Bonfire

The bonfire is the central element of Lohri. People gather around it, offer prayers, and perform parikrama (circumambulation).

Ritual Offerings

Families offer:
  • Sesame seeds (til)
  • Jaggery (gur)
  • Groundnuts
  • Popcorn
  • Rewari
These items symbolize prosperity, good health, and warmth.

Singing Folk Songs

Traditional Punjabi folk songs are sung to celebrate legends, love, bravery, and blessings.

Traditional Dance

Bhangra and Gidda add joy to the celebration, reflecting Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.

Sharing Sweets and Blessings

The distribution of sweets and gifts spreads happiness within families and communities.

These Lohri festival rituals not only bring families together but also maintain the cultural spirit of the festival.

Significance of Lohri

The significance of Lohri goes far beyond lighting a bonfire or celebrating the harvest. It reflects hopes, blessings, positivity, and new beginnings.

Here are some important aspects of Lohri’s significance:

Symbol of Warmth and Protection

The bonfire represents light, warmth, and protection from negative energies.

Gratitude to Nature

Lohri teaches us to thank nature for food, sunlight, water, and harvest.

A Time for New Beginnings

Many people start new ventures around Lohri, believing it brings auspicious energy.

Celebration of Unity

The festival strengthens community bonding, love, and shared joy.

Blessing for Newlyweds and Newborns

Families especially celebrate Lohri in households with:
  • Newly married couples
  • Newborn babies It marks good fortune, fertility, and harmony.

Lohri Festival Is Celebrated in Which State?

Many people wonder: Lohri festival is celebrated in which state? Lohri is primarily celebrated in:
  • Punjab (main state)
  • Haryana
  • Delhi
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Jammu
  • Chandigarh
However, due to its popularity and cultural influence, Lohri is now celebrated across India and even abroad by Indian communities.

How Is Lohri Celebrated?

Lohri celebrations begin after sunset. Families come together, light the bonfire, and enjoy food, music, and prayers. Here is how the Lohri festival is usually celebrated:

Family Gathering

Relatives and friends gather to celebrate with warmth and positivity.

Lighting the Bonfire

A sacred bonfire is lit, symbolizing the end of winter and the victory of light.

Offering Prayers

People offer til, gur, popcorn, and peanuts to the fire to seek blessings.

Singing & Dancing

Cultural dances like Bhangra and Gidda create a joyful atmosphere.

Special Lohri Foods

The celebration includes:
  • Sarson ka saag
  • Makki ki roti
  • Til-gud laddoo
  • Rewari
  • Gajak
  • Kheer

Blessings & Gifts

Families bless children, newlyweds, and newborns with sweets, gifts, and good wishes.

This is how Lohri is celebrated with devotion, joy, and cultural pride.

Additional Cultural Aspects of Lohri Festival

To make this blog complete and meaningful, here are some emotional and cultural elements associated with the festival:

Lohri for Newly Married Couples

For newlyweds, Lohri marks:
  • The beginning of a happy married life
  • Blessings for harmony and prosperity
  • A special family celebration

Lohri for Newborn Babies

For a newborn, Lohri is celebrated to:
  • Pray for long life
  • Bring divine protection
  • Invite abundance and health

Lohri and Farmers

Farmers celebrate Lohri with deep gratitude for their crops and the Sun, thanking nature for nourishment.

History of Lohri

The history of Lohri is rooted in ancient agrarian traditions, seasonal changes, and powerful cultural stories that have been passed down through generations. Lohri marks the end of the winter solstice, when the Sun begins its journey toward the northern hemisphere, bringing longer and warmer days. This transition—known as Uttarayana—has been honored for centuries in Indian culture.

Historically, Lohri has been associated with:

The Harvest of Rabi Crops

In ancient Punjab, Lohri was celebrated as a thanksgiving festival when farmers gathered the final harvest of wheat, mustard, and sugarcane. Lohri bonfires were lit to express gratitude to Agni Dev (the fire god) for protecting the crops and ensuring abundance.

Fire Worship in Vedic Traditions

Fire holds a sacred place in Vedic culture. Lohri’s bonfire is a continuation of the ancient practice of performing Agni Puja, which symbolizes purity, protection, and the dispelling of negativity.

The Legend of Dulla Bhatti

One of Lohri’s most fascinating historical associations is with Dulla Bhatti, a heroic figure during the Mughal era. He is remembered for rescuing oppressed women and protecting poor families. Folk songs sung during Lohri narrate his bravery, making him an unforgettable cultural icon.

Seasonal & Astronomical Significance

Historically, Lohri also marked the shift in seasons—from harsh winter to the onset of warmer days. In agrarian societies, this was a moment of hope and celebration.

The rich history of Lohri reflects a blend of agricultural prosperity, cultural pride, seasonal change, and folk traditions, making the festival deeply meaningful even today.

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Summary

Lohri 2026 will be celebrated on 13 January 2026, and this festive day holds deep cultural, spiritual, and seasonal significance. In this blog, you explored the complete meaning of Lohri 2026, including the Lohri 2026 dates, the correct Lohri muhurat, the history behind the Lohri festival, and the rituals that make the celebration special.

You also learned why we celebrate Lohri, what it symbolizes, how it is celebrated, and the states where it is most popular. If you want to understand this festival deeply this blog is a helpful guide. May the warmth of Lohri bring prosperity, joy, and new beginnings to your home. Warm wishes on Lohri from Pandit Pawan Kaushik.