New Delhi:Lohri festival, which is considered a symbol of happiness and joy in North India, is being celebrated with great pomp across the country today. The splendor of this festival is especially seen in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, where the sound of drum beats, Gidda-Bhangra and traditional songs is heard everywhere. The warmth of the burning bonfire in the midst of winter and the smiles of the people make this festival even more special.

Lohri is not just a festival, but a celebration of the arrival of the new crop and collective happiness. People dance and sing around the fire giving the message of mutual brotherhood and harmony. If you are also preparing to worship Lohri this evening, then it is very important to know its auspicious time and traditions.

Lohri 2026: Auspicious time for puja

Lohri Sankranti moment this year will be at 04:05 pm, while the appropriate time for Lohri Dahan and Puja is considered to be from 05:45 pm to 08:30 pm. It is believed that burning Lohri is most auspicious when the sun is about to set and twilight begins.

How to worship Lohri?

For the worship of Lohri, a pile of wood and cow dung cakes is placed in the open courtyard or square of the house and fire is lit in it. After the fire is lit, all the family members sit around it and revolve around the fire 7 or 11 times.

While doing parikrama, sesame, jaggery, rewari, peanuts and maize are offered in the fire and wishes for happiness and prosperity are made. After the puja is over, sesame, jaggery, gajak and peanuts are distributed among each other as prasad.

Why is Lohri celebrated?

The festival of Lohri is mainly celebrated to celebrate the ripening of the new Rabi crop. On this day, farmers express gratitude to Sun God and Fire God that due to their blessings the crop has been good. A folk story to this festival is also very famous. During the Mughal period, Dulla Bhatti had rescued poor girls and got them married. For this reason, his name is taken with great respect in the folk songs of Lohri.

Why is it special for new bride and children?

The festival of Lohri is especially celebrated in those houses where a marriage has taken place recently or where a child is completing his first year. It is called “Pehli Lohri” and on this occasion a grand celebration is organized by inviting relatives and friends.