Lohri is one of the most important winter festivals of North India, especially celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR. In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, a day before Makar Sankranti. This festival is closely associated with harvest, nature, and the worship of Agni (fire).

People gather around the Lohri bonfire, sing folk songs, perform parikrama, and pray for happiness, prosperity, good health, and a bountiful harvest. According to religious beliefs and folk traditions, every item offered to the Lohri fire has a meaning. However, some items are strictly prohibited, as they are believed to attract negativity or misfortune.

Religious and cultural significance of the Lohri fire
The Lohri fire is considered a symbol of purification, transformation, and new beginnings. It is believed that offerings made to the fire help burn negativity and bring positive energy into life. Lohri also marks the change of seasons and the northward movement of the sun, symbolising renewed energy and hope.

The festival is not only about celebration and enjoyment, but also about gratitude—towards nature, the sun, fire, and the hard work of farmers. This is why rituals related to the Lohri fire are followed with care and respect.

Auspicious items to offer in the Lohri fire

Certain items are considered highly auspicious and symbolic of prosperity and harmony.

Sesame seeds and jaggery
Sesame seeds symbolise purity and spiritual strength, while jaggery represents sweetness and harmony in life. Offering them is believed to bring peace and happiness to the family.

Gram and rice
Gram and rice are symbols of completeness, food security, and family stability. Offering them signifies that the household will never face scarcity of food.

Sugarcane or sugarcane products
Sugarcane represents sweetness, prosperity, and economic growth. Offering sugarcane or its products is believed to bring success and joy in life.

Items that should never be thrown into the Lohri fire

According to religious beliefs and folk traditions, the following items are strictly prohibited:

Plastic or chemical items
Plastic and chemical materials are considered impure and are harmful to the environment. Burning them also causes pollution, which goes against the spiritual and natural essence of Lohri.

Salt
In folklore, salt is associated with negativity and financial loss. It is never used in auspicious rituals, and adding it to the Lohri fire is believed to attract poverty.

Leftover or impure food
Offering leftover or impure food is considered disrespectful to the fire god. Such offerings are believed to block positive outcomes and disturb the spiritual purity of the ritual.

Torn or dirty clothes
Torn or unclean clothes symbolise hardship, poverty, and bad luck. Throwing them into the Lohri fire is believed to invite negative energy into the home.

Important note
These beliefs are rooted in tradition, faith, and cultural practices passed down through generations. While Lohri is a joyful festival, following these customs is believed to help maintain its spiritual significance.