When is Lohri 2026? The Live Countdown to the Winter Festival.
Let the fire burn away all sorrows
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When is lohri 2026?
Lohri in 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.It is traditionally observed on the 13th of January every year, marking the end of winter and the harvest of the Rabi crop, especially in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
Is lohri a public holiday?
No,Lohri is not a public holiday in all parts of India, but it is a public holiday in the state of Punjab and sometimes in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In other states, it’s usually celebrated culturally, but schools, offices, and businesses remain open.
What is Lohri?
Lohri is a popular, vibrant winter Punjabi festival that is celebrated with warmth in the northern regions of India, especially in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. It holds deep cultural significance, highlighting its close connection to the harvest and the cheerful welcoming of longer days.
Similar seasonal festivals are celebrated in other parts of India, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti in various states, and Khichadi in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These festivals reflect the same theme—gratitude for a successful harvest and a hopeful transition into a new agricultural cycle.
Lohri is a celebration that blends history, spirituality, and seasonal change, making it one of the most cherished festivals in northern India.
The history behind celebrating Lohri
The history of Lohri is deeply old, rooted in tales of tradition and justice. It marks the new year and symbolizes the beginning of spring, signaling the end of the harsh winter season. Celebrated with great zeal, it is believed that the night of Lohri is the longest of the year, after which each day becomes longer and nights grow shorter gradually. This natural transition is honored with music, dance, and communal joy.
The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in praise of Dulha Batti, a legendary figure from the time of King Akbar. Dulha was a dacoit who would steal money from rich houses and distribute it among the poor. Seen as a hero by the helpless, he saved the lives of girls taken by strangers, helping them by paying their dowry for marriages. In his honor, the Lohri festival became a celebration of courage and kindness.
Beyond its folklore, Lohri also signifies the sun’s movement from south to north, transitioning between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. It is dedicated to Lord Sun and Fire, both vital symbols of life and renewal. This is a truly happy moment for every Punjabi. The people of Sikh and Hindu religions come together to honor it with unity.
Lohri (2025–2030)
| Year | Date (Gregorian) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 13, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 13, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 13, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 13, 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 13, 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | January 13, 2030 | Sunday |
* Lohri is a popular Punjabi festival, celebrated on January 13 every year, marking the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.
FAQs
What is Lohri and why is it celebrated in Punjab?
Lohri is a Punjabi winter festival that marks the end of winter and the beginning of the spring harvest, celebrated especially by Sikhs and Hindus.
What is the historical background of the Lohri festival?
The celebration of Lohri is linked to Dulha Bhatti, a heroic figure during King Akbar’s time, who helped poor families and saved kidnapped girls.
When is Lohri celebrated every year?
Lohri is observed on January 13 every year, marking the transition of the sun from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.
What is the religious significance of Lohri for Sikhs and Hindus?
Lohri holds religious importance as it is dedicated to Lord Sun and Fire, celebrated with rituals that thank nature for a good harvest.
Is Lohri a public holiday in India?
Lohri is a regional public holiday in Punjab and some northern Indian states, especially where the Sikh and Punjabi communities reside.
How does Lohri celebrate the beginning of a new agricultural cycle?
Lohri marks the harvest of Rabi crops, especially sugarcane, symbolizing gratitude and the start of a new farming year.