Lohri 2026: What The Holy Bonfire Symbolises, Why Offerings Are Made And What They Signify

As we step into the new year, the very first festival that we will be celebrating is Lohri! This holy festival is observed in the northern parts of India and is celebrated as a harvest festival. With the cold air surrounding us and the bonfire burning bright, people are gearing up to celebrate this pious day. For 2026, we will be celebrating this Punjabi festival on January 13, 2026.  This vibrant festival also signifies the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days. Dancing and singing are a constant show of celebration during this day. On this auspicious occasion, we see devotees getting dressed up, lighting bonfires and making offerings to it. Let’s discover what the holy bonfire symbolises, why we make offerings to it and what they signify here! 

Lohri 2026: What Does The Holy Bonfire Symbolise?

The holy bonfire is one of the core rituals for celebrating this beautiful festival. Families gather around with their loved ones to build massive bonfires composed of wood, twigs, and agricultural waste. The holy bonfire we take rounds around is called Lohadi, and it symbolises the fire God, Agni Devta. This holy bonfire acts as a divine messenger which represents the burning away of winter’s darkness to welcome warmth, prosperity, and new beginnings. With this special day, we mark the end of the coldest winter days, offering gratitude for the Rabi harvest and symbolising the triumph of light, always. 

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Lohri 2026: Why Do We Make Offerings To Holy Bonfire

You would have often noticed that during Lohri celebrations, people celebrate by singing traditional bolis and even dancing to traditional songs. A major part of Lohri celebrations is devotees making offerings to the holy bonfire, Lohadi. Devotees make offerings to Lohadi to thank Agni Dev, the fire God and Surya Dev, the Sun God, for providing us with warmth and abundance. Families circle the fire while praying for happiness, health, success and expressing their gratitude for the upcoming months of the year ahead.

Lohri 2026: List Of Offerings You Can Make To Holy Bonfire

During the Lohri celebrations, people make offerings to the holy bonfire. Here is a list of all the items that you can offer on Lohri to the bonfire:

1. Sesame seeds (Til)

2. Peanuts

3. Gajak 

4. Rewari

5. Popcorn

6. Jaggery

7. Sugarcane

ALSO READ- Lohri 2026: Date, History, Significance And The Story Behind The Harvest Festival

Lohri 2026: What Do These Offerings To The Holy Bonfire Signify 

Each offering devotees make on this holy day has its own significance. Let’s discover what the offerings devotees make to the holy bonfire on Lohri signify here.

• Sesame Seeds (Til): These are believed to have purifying properties. By tossing these sesame or til seeds into the fire, you are burning away past sins and negativity to have a fresh start.

• Peanuts: These peanuts represent fertility and abundance. Devotees offer peanuts to seek blessings for their family growth and to have a prosperous year ahead.

• Gajak and Rewari: These sweets made from til and gur represent the sweetness of our life. By offering them, we pray for harmony and sweetness in relationships.

• Popcorn: Often referred to as phulley, popcorn represents the blossoming of new life and the joy of a successful harvest.

• Jaggery (Gur): They serve as a symbol of energy and warmth. It is offered to thank the Sun God (Surya) for the heat that makes the winter crops grow. 

• Sugarcane: Since Lohri is a harvest festival for sugarcane, offering it is a symbol of your gratitude to nature for a bountiful crop

Get ready to celebrate the holy festival of Lohri on January 13, 2026. Celebrate this festival with your loved ones and welcome new beginnings, and remember to express your gratitude. 

Image Credit: Freepik

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