Lucknow: Today, on 13 January 2026 (Tuesday), the festival of Lohri is being celebrated with great pomp all over North India. This harvest festival is extremely important for the Punjabi and Sikh community, where in the evening sacred bonfire is lit and fire is circumambulated, folk songs are sung and sesame seeds, groundnuts, rewari, gajak, maize etc. are offered. This festival marks the end of winter, the beginning of longer days and the joy of the new harvest.
But the first Lohri has special significance for newly married couples. It is not only a festival but also considered a symbol of new beginnings, love, faith and prosperity in marital life.
Why is the first Lohri special?
– It is a celebration of the couple’s first shared happiness of married life, where family and relatives come together to wish for happiness, prosperity, health and a happy married life.
– In Punjabi tradition it is an occasion to formally welcome the new bride to her in-laws’ house and celebrate new beginnings.
– The elders bless the couple, give gifts (clothes, jewellery, sweets etc.) and pray for lifelong happiness.
– It also symbolizes fertility, fertility and family growth, hence adding extra excitement and grandeur to the celebration.
Method and traditions of celebrating the first Lohri
– Light a bonfire of wood in the courtyard of the house or in the open field in the evening.
– Keep Prasad (Rewari, Gajak, peanuts, maize, sesame-jaggery) ready and offer it in the fire.
– Circumambulate around the bonfire 7 or 11 times, sing folk songs and do Bhangra-Gidda.
– Tell the story of Dulla Bhatti.
– Distribute Prasad with family members and greet each other with a hug.
– Newly married couples wear traditional costumes (bride in Solah Shringar, groom in colorful turban).
What to do and what not to do today (rules)
– Choose auspicious colors: wear red, yellow, orange or bright colors; Avoid black or white.
– Keep the Prasad pure – do not keep it in a dirty vessel, nor taste it first.
– Be present while lighting the bonfire and do the parikrama (it is a symbol of good luck and lineage growth).
– Maintain family harmony, stay away from fights or negative things.
– Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
Also read: Lohri 2026: Auspicious time to light fire and method of worship, know complete information
(Disclaimer: This information is based on religious traditions, folk beliefs and Punjabi culture. There is no scientific evidence. Amrit Vichar does not give proof of the truth of even a single thing.)