Each year in the month of January, the lively festival of Lohri is brought in with dance, music, and feasts in every Punjabi household.
Especially in the farming families of northern India’s Punjab, Haryana, Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi, the arrival of this festival brings along a ripple of ecstasy, excitement, and positivity.
However, not most people know that Lohri - as significant as it is for the farmers - also bears immense relevance for newly married couples.
So today, let's talk about that. Read below and discover everything about Lohri 2024 - when it is occurring, what the special Muhurat is for celebration, and how newlyweds can make the most of it. Let's start!
Although primarily celebrated in the northern Indian regions, the festival of Lohri holds great significance for other cultures as well.
In the context of newly married couples, Lohri’s significance is excessive for the following reasons.
Signifies New Beginnings: The festival of Lohri marks the commencement of a fresh harvest season for the farmers. Therefore, it represents new, fresh beginnings.
Symbolizes Fertility: Lohri is closely associated with production and fertility. Thus, it’s believed to be exclusively elemental for brides starting their married life.
Expunges Negativity: The tradition of offering food items to the Lohri bonfire is essential as it's believed to shun away bad omens and negative energies. So, for newlywed couples, it is considered important.
Invites Prosperity: By taking “Pheras” around the holy bonfire of Lohri, the couple is blessed with growth and abundance.
As per the Hindu calendar, Lohri falls on the day preceding the auspicious Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti. In other words, that's the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the propitious month of Pausha.
This year, the festival of Lohri will be observed on Sunday, 14th of January.
2024 Lohri Festival Timings
Tritiya: On 14th January 2024 till 07:59 AM
Chaturthi: On 15th January 2024 till 04:59 AM
Lohri Sankranti Time: On 15th January 2024 till 02:54 AM
For newly married couples, the festival of Lohri translates to a gala of fun and togetherness with family. So if it’s your first Lohri together with your partner, celebrate it with all grandeur and don’t miss out on doing the following things.
Wear Traditional Attire: Donning in traditional Punjabi attire on Lohri is considered prosperous, especially for marital newcomers. So, the brides should wear a new ethnic suit with bright colors, bangles, and bindi and apply henna. The groom must put on a new turban as that’s exclusively important.
Light The Bonfire: The Lohri bonfire is the central element of the festival. So, once you’re ready, light the bonfire with your spouse. Circle around it 7 times and throw sesame seeds, jaggery, sugarcane, revdi or rewri, popcorn, and other food items into it.
Exchange Gifts: The practice of giving and receiving gifts in Lohri is age-old. So, if you’re a newlywed couple, stock up on return gifts, as you will be receiving many from your friends and family. If you’re wondering what to give on first Lohri, some popular gift items include sweets, clothes, dry fruits, etc.
Seek Blessings: The day of Lohri is super propitious. So, after revering the Gods and lighting the bonfire, seek the blessing of every elder in your family as a couple.
Organize A Family Feast: Finally, it’s time for the grand Lohri feast. So do the preparations in advance. Cook winter-special delicacies and organize a feast for your friends and family.
For newlywed couples, any festival holds great significance. But Lohri is all the more important as it's extremely auspicious and associated with positivity and fresh starts. So, if you are a couple who got married recently, start your preparations to celebrate Lohri 2024 now.
Today, we discussed the date, time, dos and don’ts, and everything else in between for celebrating couples' first Lohri in the traditional Punjabi style. If you want more information about the festival or its rituals, connect with the astrologers at Astroyogi today.