Happy Lohri

Long ago, during the Mughal era, lived Dulla Bhatti, a brave and generous rebel from Punjab—often called the "Robin Hood of Punjab." He stood up against oppression and protected poor villagers from exploitation.

One famous tale says that Dulla Bhatti rescued young girls who were being forcibly taken away and arranged their weddings, giving them dowries from his own wealth. Two such girls, Sundri and Mundri, are still remembered in Lohri songs.

“Sundri Mundri ho! Tera kaun vichara ho! Dulla Bhatti wala ho!”

Lohri marks the time when the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan) after the winter solstice. Ancient farmers believed this was the Sun’s return to bring warmth and prosperity.

People light bonfires as a symbol of the Sun’s energy, offering sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), peanuts, and popcorn. The fire represents hope, renewal, and gratitude for nature’s cycles.

In agrarian Punjab, Lohri celebrates the end of winter sowing and the harvest of sugarcane. After months of hard work, farmers finally breathe easy.

The story passed down is simple but powerful: When crops survive the harsh cold, humans thank fire, earth, and sky for protection. The bonfire becomes a community gathering where stories, songs, and prayers are shared for a prosperous harvest.

A cherished tradition says that a woman’s first Lohri after marriage or a child’s first Lohri after birth brings special blessings.

Families tell a story that Lohri’s fire carries prayers upward to bless fertility, happiness, and the continuity of family lineage. That’s why such Lohri celebrations are often bigger and more joyful.

An old folk belief says that winter brings negative energies, illness, and darkness. Lighting the Lohri bonfire is believed to burn away evil spirits and misfortune. People walk around the fire (parikrama), throwing offerings while silently wishing for health, protection, and abundance.

Many Lohri stories aren’t written — they’re sung. Traditional Lohri songs talk about brave heroes, hardworking farmers, love, loss, and celebration. Each generation adds verses, making Lohri a living oral tradition that connects the past to the present.