Introduction to Lohri Festival 2025
Lohri, one of the most cherished festivals in Northern India, particularly for Sikhs and Punjabis, will be celebrated on Monday, January 13, 2025. This vibrant festival, observed with great enthusiasm every year in January, marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. Traditionally, Lohri is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti and is associated with the joy of the new harvest.
The Astrological Significance of Lohri
According to astrological beliefs, Lohri is celebrated the night before Makar Sankranti, when the sun transitions from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. This transition, known as Uttarayan, signifies the end of the coldest days and the beginning of warmer ones. People gather around a bonfire, offering treats like sesame seeds (til), popcorn, peanuts, and jaggery (gur) to the flames, symbolizing the end of the harvest season and praying for prosperity and happiness.
Religious Importance of Lohri in Sikhism
For the Sikh community, Lohri holds immense religious significance. It is a festival deeply rooted in agrarian traditions, celebrating the harvesting of crops. On this day, farmers express gratitude to the Sun God and the Fire God for a bountiful harvest. Rituals include offering the newly harvested crops such as sesame, jaggery, and roasted wheat to the sacred fire. Women sing traditional folk songs, praying for prosperity and the well-being of their families.
Legend of Dulla Bhatti and Lohri
A popular tale associated with Lohri is that of Dulla Bhatti, a legendary figure during the Mughal era. According to the story, Dulla Bhatti lived in Punjab and was known for his bravery. During Akbar’s reign, he rescued young girls from being sold into slavery and arranged their marriages with local boys. This heroic act earned him the status of a folk hero, and his story is recounted every Lohri, keeping his legacy alive through song and storytelling.
Mythological Tales Linked to Lohri
Lohri is also connected to various mythological stories, one of which involves Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. As per the legend, King Daksha, Sati’s father, organized a grand yagna (sacrificial fire) but deliberately did not invite Shiva and Sati. Despite Shiva’s advice against attending uninvited, Sati went to the yagna, only to face humiliation. Unable to bear the insult to her husband, Sati immolated herself in the fire. The festival of Lohri is said to be celebrated in her memory, commemorating her sacrifice and devotion.
Lohri 2025 Celebration Date
In 2025, Lohri will be celebrated on January 13, a day before Makar Sankranti. As per the Vedic calendar, Makar Sankranti will occur on January 14, 2025, with the sun entering the Capricorn zodiac at 9:03 AM. Following the tradition of celebrating Lohri the evening before Makar Sankranti, the festivities will take place on 13 January 2025.
