Lohri 2024

Embrace the Date, Significance, and Festivities of Celebration…

Lohri is a widely celebrated festival among Sikhs and Hindus in India, particularly in the northern states. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and the maturation of winter crops.

There has been uncertainty about the date of Lohri this year, with conflicting information on whether it falls on the 13th or 14th of January.

The festival traditionally occurs a day before Makara Sankranti. According to Drik Panchang, Lohri is set to be celebrated on Sunday, January 14, 2024, while Makar Sankranti will follow on January 15, 2024.

SIGNIFICANCE 

Lohri, also known as Lohadi or Lal Loi, is an occasion for offering prayers to the God of Fire, and seeking blessings for family and loved ones. It signifies the onset of the harvest season and the maturation of winter crops. Additionally, the festival commemorates the arrival of milder winters, as days lengthen and nights shorten post-Lohri.

CELEBRATIONS 

A bonfire, crafted from wood and cow dung, is ignited outside homes and residential areas during Lohri. People engage in prayer and perform Parikrama around the bonfire. Traditional puja rituals include offerings of gajak, til, gur, and peanuts.

Festivities extend to cultural expressions like the lively folk dance form, giddha, along with Bhangra performances to energetic dhol beats in various places.

Makar Sankranti follows Lohri, with the Sankranti tithi set for 2:45 am on January 15.

According to Drik Panchang, Makar Sankranti Punya Kala extends from 7:15 am to 8:07 pm, spanning 10 hours 31 minutes. Additionally, Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala begins at 7:15 am and concludes at 9:00 am, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.