Dilliwaales Leave No Stones Unturned When It Comes To Celebrating Lohri The Punju Way!

“Wadhaiyan Bibi tenu, Wadhaiyan ji Wadhaiyan tere Yaar nu, Parivaar nu Tere Baap bane Sardar nu Jine Rakheya tera naa” (Translation: Congratulations to you, old lady. Congratulations to your friends and family, to your son who is the father and made you proud) - Just one of the many folk songs sung and enjoyed on the delightful festival of Lohri.

The Punjabi culture dominates Delhi in a lot of respects. Whether it is the love for Butter Chicken or the excitement of a festival like Lohri. The whole city, Punjabis and non-Punjabis alike, celebrate this day with friends and relatives. The festival gets even more significance in case a family has been recently blessed with a new child or a wedding. The celebrations are doubled and so is the pomp and show. Punjabis usually prefer to throw large-scale private parties, be it at home and or at a banquet hall.

You just cannot miss the beats of the Dhol (Indian folk drums), no matter where you are in the city. There are a number of origins for the festival of Lohri. However in Delhi, Lohri is related with the day of Makar Sankranti (The time when the earth is farthest from the sun and begins to move towards it) and hence is celebrated on 13th of January every year.

Ceremonial Details

The ceremony includes a bonfire lit at sunset which is considered sacred by many and is welcomed as it takes place in peak winters. Family members, friends and relatives walk around the bonfire and toss peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, Rewri & Gacchak (sweets made of Jaggery & sesame) while praying for blessings. 

A number of peppy folk songs mainly about Dulla Bhatti, a hero in Punjabi folkore said to be connected to the origin of the festival, are sung out loud and the children ask for Lohri, mainly money and sweets, from elders of the family and the neighbourhood. Refusing to give Lohri is considered inauspicious.

Dancing dominates every Delhi celebration and Lohri is no different. The Dhol creates the perfect mood for Bhangra (Punjabi folk dance) around the bonfire. But Delhi being Delhi, Dhol is just never enough especially at private parties and out comes the DJ with loud music and everybody moves to the dance floor. 

Traditional North Indian food like Butter Chicken, Tandoori Roti (traditional type of bread), Sarson ka Saag (dish made of mustard leaves) and Makke ki Roti (corn bread) are indispensable to the Punjabis and this festival.

People prefer to dress in traditional clothes like kurta-pyjamas, salwar-kameez, churidars etc. with a lot of extra effort put in to look their best. Lavish gifts are given at Lohri to the newlyweds or any new born additions in the family. Blessings and good wishes surround the festivities.

Public Celebrations

Even if you are not with family, there’s no need to miss out on all the fun. There are many public places in Delhi where Lohri is celebrated with much fervour. Dilli Haat goes out of its way to celebrate the Indian culture and organizes Bhangra and Gidda performances along with serving traditional Punjabi food. Then there is the Epicentre, the cultural hub in Gurgaon, which has the traditional bonfire with Dhol and folksingers performing live along with the delicacies that accompany the festival. India Habitat Centre on Lodhi Road has a similar yet delightful scenario with the traditional bonfire along with lip-smacking dishes to offer.

Dilli Haat | Aurobindo Marg, Dilli Haat, INA Colony, New Delhi

Epicentre | Apparal House, Sector 44, Vasant Kunj, Gurgaon, Haryana

India Habitat Centre | Lodi Rd, Lodi Estate, Lodi Colony, New Delhi