Dear Lykkers! Lohri, one of the most celebrated festivals in Northern India, marks the end of winter and the arrival of harvest season.


It is especially popular among the Punjabi community but is widely observed in other parts of India and abroad.


This festival, with its significance rooted in agricultural traditions, celebrates the warmth of the sun and the joy of the harvest. In addition to dancing, singing, and community gatherings, the offering of specific items into the sacred fire during Lohri holds great importance. This ritual not only symbolizes the burning of negativity but also marks the beginning of a prosperous year.


Lohri 2020 - Why We Celebrate, Its Importance, Significance, Tradition

Video by Amit Sengupta


The Significance of the Sacred Fire


At the heart of Lohri celebrations is the sacred fire, which holds a profound symbolic meaning. The fire represents the Sun lord, and by lighting it, people seek blessings for warmth, prosperity, and good health. During the night of Lohri, the community gathers around the fire, chanting traditional songs and making offerings to express gratitude for the harvest and the abundant crops. The ritual of offering sacred items into the fire has been passed down through generations and is one of the key aspects of the festival.


Items Offered to the Sacred Fire


Several traditional items are offered into the Lohri fire, each with its unique significance. Among these, the most common offerings are sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and sugarcane. These items are believed to symbolize prosperity, health, and the sweet rewards of a bountiful harvest. The practice of offering sesame seeds, in particular, is an age-old tradition, as they are believed to purify the mind and soul.


The Role of Sesame Seeds


Sesame seeds (til) play a special role during Lohri. People offer these seeds to the fire while chanting the phrase “Aadh chakka, Lohri,” which translates to a request for prosperity and the removal of evil influences. The symbolism of sesame seeds is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu beliefs, where they are considered sacred and capable of absorbing negative energies. As these seeds are tossed into the fire, they transform into ash, symbolizing the release of bad karma and the ushering in of a new, positive cycle.


The Sweetness of Jaggery and Peanuts


Along with sesame seeds, jaggery and peanuts are also commonly offered during Lohri. Jaggery, known for its natural sweetness, symbolizes the sweetness of life, the harvest, and the warmth of relationships. Offering jaggery in the fire is a way of seeking a fruitful year ahead. Similarly, peanuts, another popular offering, represent the desires of the community for good fortune and prosperity. The combination of these offerings signifies an abundant year filled with good health, happiness, and wealth.


The Traditional Lohri Dance and Songs


Lohri celebrations are incomplete without the traditional Bhangra and Gidda dances that are performed around the fire. These dances are a joyful expression of the harvest season, and the songs sung during this time are meant to glorify the deities and celebrate the agricultural cycle. The rhythmic beats of the dhol and the enthusiasm of the dancers create a lively atmosphere, making Lohri a festival full of life and energy. The community gathering and dance rituals further enhance the sense of unity and togetherness.


Conclusion: Celebrating New Beginnings


Lohri is not only a festival of joy and festivity but also a time for reflection and gratitude. The offerings made to the sacred fire signify the burning away of old troubles and the welcoming of new beginnings. As people come together around the fire, sharing food, songs, and dances, they strengthen their bonds with one another and with the earth.


For those who celebrate it, Lohri is a reminder to glorify the harvest, appreciate the warmth of community, and look forward to a prosperous and fruitful year.


Wishing all the Lykkers a joyful and blessed Lohri!