The end of the winter solstice is celebrated with much enthusiasm with the Lohri festival. Also called 'Lohadi' or 'Lal Loi', Lohri is a popular Punjabi and Hindu festival observed mostly in the northern part of India. Lohri falls in the Hindu month of 'Pausha', and as per the Gregorian calendar, January 13 of every year has been earmarked for Lohri celebrations. But this year, there is some confusion regarding the date of Lohri 2023. Both January 13 and January 14 are being considered for the festival celebrations. We found out the exact date of Lohri 2023 which you can also follow.
When Is Lohri 2023? Jan 13 Or Jan 14?
According to drikpanchang.com, Lohri 2023 falls on January 14 (Saturday) this year and Makar Sankranti will be celebrated the next day on January 15 (Sunday). The time for Lohri Sankranti Moment is 08:57 PM on January 14.
(Also Read: Lohri 2023 - These 5 Gur Desserts Will Amp Up Your Festive Meal)
Lohri 2023: Significance And Traditional Rituals | What is the story behind Lohri?
Lohri marks the end of the sowing season of winter crops and makes way for a good harvest season. The Punjabi and Hindu communities pray to the Sun god (Surya devta) and Fire God (agni) for agricultural prosperity and abundant harvesting of the crops sown before the winter season. Lohri is mostly celebrated in Punjab, and also in nearby states of Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Lohri comes a day before the Makar Sankranti festival, which welcomes warmer days ahead with shorter nights and longer days.
People celebrate Lohri with a bonfire and offer festive snacks like sesame bites (rewari), peanuts (moonghfali) and gajak to the Agni. There is also a tradition of dancing and folk singing around the bonfire. And just like any other festival, Lohri is celebrated with some signature foods made of seasonal foods. Following are some of the most commonly prepared and served foods during Lohri.
Lohri 2023: 5 Popular Lohri-Special Recipes
1.Gajak Or Chikki:
Lohri sees many people serving sweets made of winter-special gur (or jaggery). Gur ki chikki is the most popular. Melted gur is combined with crunchy peanuts to give a sweet delight that is warming, healthy and super delicious. Click here for the recipe for Gajak.
2. Til Ladoo
Almost all Indian festival spreads have some form of ladoos in it. On Lohri, it is till ka ladoo. The combination of til (sesame seeds) and gur makes for a delightful sweet that keeps you warm from within in the chilly weather. Click here for the recipe for Til Ladoo.
3. Gur Ki Roti
The post bonfire session, the Lohri dinner spread comprises classic winter specialities; gur ki roti is one of them. The wheat bread is filled with melted gud to give a special sweet roti that everyone loves. Click here for the recipe of gud ki roti.
4. Sarson Ka Saag
It is customary to make sarson ka saag from winter-special mustard greens. The addition of bathua and palak makes this dish a stunningly mouth-watering treat. Click here for the recipe of sarson ka saag.
5. Makki Ki Roti
Sarson ka saag is paired with makki ki roti which is made with makai atta and can be seasoned with salt and spices. Slather it with lots of white butter and enjoy it with the delicious saag. Click here for the recipe of makki ki roti.
Happy Lohri 2023!