Lohri 2026: Date, Bonfire Timing, Significance, Rituals & Celebrations
Lohri 2026 is one of the most important harvest festivals of North India, celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and traditional delicacies. Observed mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Chandigarh, Lohri marks the end of peak winter and the arrival of Uttarayan, when the Sun begins its northward journey.
This festival is deeply connected to agriculture, gratitude, prosperity, and community bonding, making it spiritually and culturally significant.
Lohri 2026 Date & Day (Confirmed)
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Lohri 2026 | 13 January 2026 | Tuesday |
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January 2026 | Wednesday |
Lohri is always celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti, making January 13 the fixed date every year.
Lohri 2026 Bonfire Timing (Shubh Muhurat)
- Bonfire Ritual Time: After Sunset
- Ideal Time: Between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Local Time)
Lighting the Lohri bonfire after sunset is considered auspicious and spiritually effective.
Significance of Lohri Festival
Lohri holds religious, agricultural, and seasonal importance.
Spiritual Significance
- Worship of Agni (Fire God) and Surya (Sun God)
- Expression of gratitude for warmth, life energy, and harvest
- Beginning of Uttarayan, an auspicious solar phase in Hindu tradition
Agricultural Significance
- Celebrates the growth of Rabi crops, especially wheat
- Farmers pray for a bountiful harvest and prosperity
Family & Social Significance
- First Lohri after marriage or childbirth is highly auspicious
- Symbolizes new beginnings, fertility, and abundance
Significance of Lohri Bonfire
The Lohri bonfire represents:
- Burning away negativity and hardship
- Welcoming light, warmth, and abundance
- Collective prayers for health and wealth
Devotees perform Parikrama (circumambulation) of the fire while offering sacred items.
History & Legends of Lohri: The Story of Dulla Bhatti
One of the strongest cultural roots of Lohri comes from Punjabi folklore.
Who Was Dulla Bhatti?
- A legendary hero during Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign
- Known as the Robin Hood of Punjab
Why Is He Remembered?
- Protected poor girls from slavery
- Arranged their marriages with dignity
- Traditional Lohri songs like “Sundar Mundariye” honor his bravery
This legend adds a strong moral and cultural foundation to Lohri celebrations.
Lohri Rituals & Celebrations (Step-by-Step)
1. Lighting the Bonfire
Families gather in open spaces and light a sacred fire.
2. Offering to Agni
Common offerings include:
- Sesame seeds (Til)
- Jaggery (Gur)
- Peanuts
- Popcorn
- Rewari and Gajak
3. Folk Songs & Dance
- Bhangra by men
- Gidda by women
- Dhol beats create festive energy
4. Distribution of Prasad
All offerings are shared as Prasad, symbolizing unity and blessings.
Traditional Lohri Delicacies
| Traditional Food | Significance |
|---|---|
| Sarson da Saag | Winter nutrition |
| Makki di Roti | Agricultural abundance |
| Til-Gur Laddoos | Warmth & energy |
| Gajak & Rewari | Seasonal sweetness |
| Groundnuts & Popcorn | Symbol of prosperity |
These foods are rich in nutrients suitable for winter.
Lohri 2026 Panchang (New Delhi, India)
This Vedic Panchang for Lohri 2026 provides accurate details of Sunrise, Moonrise, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Muhurat, and Dosha timings. Panchang acts as a Vedic clock, guiding auspicious and inauspicious activities for the day.
Note: All timings are based on New Delhi, India, and calculated as per Panditji on way Panchang system.
Sunrise & Moonrise Timings – Lohri 2026
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | 07:15 AM |
| Sunset | 05:45 PM |
| Moonrise | 03:30 AM (14 Jan) |
| Moonset | 01:10 PM |
Panchang Elements (Five Limbs of Time)
| Panchang Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Tithi | Krishna Dashami till 15:17 |
| Nakshatra | Vishakha till 00:06 (14 Jan), then Anuradha |
| Yoga | Shula till 19:05 |
| Karana | Vishti till 15:17 |
| Weekday | Mangalwar (Tuesday) |
| Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
Hindu Calendar Details
| Calendar Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Vikram Samvat | 2082 (Kalayukta) |
| Shaka Samvat | 1947 (Vishvavasu) |
| Gujarati Samvat | 2082 (Pingala) |
| Lunar Month | Magha (Purnimanta), Pausha (Amanta) |
| Ritu (Season) | Shishir Ritu (Winter) |
| Ayana | Uttarayana |
Rashi & Nakshatra Positions
| Planet | Position |
|---|---|
| Moon Sign | Tula till 17:21, then Vrishchika |
| Sun Sign | Dhanu |
| Surya Nakshatra | Uttara Ashadha |
| Chandra Nakshatra | Vishakha |
Auspicious Muhurat on Lohri 2026
| Muhurat | Time |
|---|---|
| Brahma Muhurta | 05:27 – 06:21 |
| Pratah Sandhya | 05:54 – 07:15 |
| Abhijit Muhurta | 12:09 – 12:51 |
| Vijaya Muhurta | 14:15 – 14:57 |
| Godhuli Muhurta | 17:42 – 18:09 |
| Amrit Kalam | 14:12 – 16:00 |
Best Time for Lohri Bonfire: After Sunset (17:45 onwards), preferably during Godhuli Muhurta.
Inauspicious Timings (Avoid for Auspicious Work)
| Dosha | Time |
|---|---|
| Rahu Kalam | 15:07 – 16:26 |
| Yamaganda | 09:53 – 11:11 |
| Gulikai Kalam | 12:30 – 13:49 |
| Dur Muhurat | 09:21 – 10:03 |
| Bhadra | 07:15 – 15:17 |
| Vidaal Yoga | 07:15 – 00:06 (14 Jan) |
Panchaka Status – Lohri 2026
| Panchaka Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Roga Panchaka | 07:15 – 07:24 |
| Good Muhurat | 07:24 – 09:06 |
| Mrityu Panchaka | 09:06 – 10:33 |
| Agni Panchaka | 10:33 – 11:58 |
| Raja Panchaka | 17:44 – 20:04 |
| Chora Panchaka | 22:21 – 00:06 (14 Jan) |
Chandrabalam & Tarabalam (Important for Muhurat)
Favorable Chandrabalam Till 17:21 For:
Mesha, Vrishabha, Simha, Tula, Dhanu, Makara
Favorable Tarabalam Till 00:06 (14 Jan) For:
Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Pushya, Swati, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Shravana, Revati
Why Panchang Is Important in Hinduism
Panchang is not just a calendar—it is a Vedic time-keeping system used to determine:
- Puja and Havan timings
- Festival dates
- Fasting days
- Travel Muhurat
- Sankalpa during rituals
- Sunrise-based daily worship
Every Panchang is location-specific, making it essential to refer to city-wise data for accurate results.
Recommended Rituals on Lohri 2026
- Lohri Bonfire Puja
- Surya Arghya at Sunrise
- Satyanarayan Puja
- Havan for Prosperity
- Sankalpa during Abhijit Muhurta
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Lohri Celebrations Across India (Locations)
- Punjab: Grand community bonfires
- Haryana & Delhi NCR: Family and society gatherings
- Himachal Pradesh: Cultural performances
- Chandigarh & Jammu: Public celebrations
- Metro Cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad – celebrated by Punjabi communities
Book Pandit for Lohri & Harvest Festival Puja
Perform auspicious rituals like:
- Surya Puja
- Satyanarayan Puja
- Havan for Prosperity
- Griha Pravesh Puja
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- Ministry of Culture, Government of India
https://www.indiaculture.gov.in - Britannica – Indian Harvest Festivals
https://www.britannica.com
Frequently Asked Questions – Lohri 2026
When is Lohri in 2026?
Lohri will be celebrated on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. It is observed every year on January 13, one day before Makar Sankranti, marking the transition of the Sun into Uttarayan and the beginning of longer days.
What is the exact Lohri bonfire timing in 2026?
The Lohri bonfire should be lit after sunset at 5:45 PM. The most auspicious time is during Godhuli Muhurta (5:42 PM to 6:09 PM), which is ideal for fire worship and harvest rituals.
Is Lohri celebrated according to Panchang?
Yes, Lohri rituals follow Vedic Panchang timings, especially sunrise, sunset, tithi, and muhurat. While the date remains fixed (January 13), Panchang helps determine auspicious bonfire and puja timings.
Is Bhadra present on Lohri 2026?
Yes, Bhadra Yoga is present till 3:17 PM on Lohri 2026. However, since Lohri bonfire rituals are performed after sunset, Bhadra does not affect Lohri celebrations.
Why is fire worship important on Lohri?
Fire (Agni) symbolizes energy, warmth, purification, and prosperity. Offerings made to the Lohri bonfire are believed to reach the Sun God, ensuring good harvest, health, and abundance in the coming season.
Which crops are associated with Lohri festival?
Lohri is associated with Rabi crops, especially wheat, which is sown in winter and harvested in spring. The festival celebrates agricultural growth and expresses gratitude to nature.
Why is first Lohri after marriage or childbirth special?
The first Lohri after marriage or the birth of a child is considered highly auspicious. Families perform special rituals, distribute sweets, and seek blessings for fertility, prosperity, and long life.
In which states is Lohri mainly celebrated?
Lohri is mainly celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu. It is also widely observed by Punjabi communities in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and other metro cities.
What are the traditional Lohri offerings?
Traditional Lohri offerings include til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery), peanuts, popcorn, gajak, and rewari. These items symbolize warmth, sweetness, fertility, and abundance.
Can Lohri Puja be performed at home?
Yes, Lohri Puja and bonfire rituals can be performed at home or in society spaces. For proper Vedic mantras and Sankalpa, it is recommended to book an experienced Pandit.
How is Lohri different from Makar Sankranti?
Lohri is celebrated on January 13 and focuses on bonfire rituals and harvest celebrations, while Makar Sankranti falls on January 14 and marks the Sun’s entry into Makara Rashi with charity and holy baths.
Does Lohri mark the beginning of Uttarayan?
Yes, Lohri occurs at the beginning of Uttarayan, when the Sun starts its northward movement. This period is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.
Where can I book a Pandit for Lohri Puja?
You can book a verified Vedic Pandit online at
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India’s first and largest online Puja booking portal, available in 30+ cities.
Is Lohri 2026 an auspicious day for Puja and Havan?
Yes, Lohri 2026 is considered auspicious for Surya Puja, Havan, and thanksgiving rituals, especially after sunset. While Bhadra remains till afternoon, evening bonfire rituals and pujas performed post-sunset are free from dosha.
What is the Panchang Tithi on Lohri 2026?
On Lohri 2026, the Panchang Tithi is Krishna Dashami, which remains till 3:17 PM. After this time, the next Tithi begins. Lohri rituals are traditionally performed in the evening and are not affected by the Tithi change.
Which Muhurat is best for Lohri Puja at home?
The best Muhurat for Lohri Puja at home is Godhuli Muhurta, which falls between 5:42 PM and 6:09 PM. This time is ideal for fire rituals, offering prayers to Agni, and seeking prosperity blessings.
Can Lohri rituals be done without a Pandit?
Yes, Lohri rituals can be performed without a Pandit using traditional offerings and prayers. However, for proper Sankalpa, Vedic mantras, and Havan, booking an experienced Pandit ensures spiritual accuracy and maximum ritual benefits.
Conclusion
Lohri 2026 is more than a festival—it is a celebration of nature, gratitude, prosperity, and togetherness. By honoring the Sun and Fire Gods, families invite abundance and positivity into their lives. Performing Lohri rituals with proper guidance enhances spiritual benefits.
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