Lohri for kids

What is Lohri?

Lohri is a winter festival of bonfires, songs and sweet snacks. It is celebrated in Punjab and in other parts of north India, and many families mark it on the evening before Makar Sankranti. In 2027, that is Thursday 14 January. Lohri is linked with the end of winter.

What families do

Customs differ, but many families light a bonfire in the evening. People gather around it, sing folk songs, and dance bhangra and gidda to the beat of the dhol. They often wear bright clothes. In some families, a grown-up puts a little popcorn, peanuts, sesame sweets or jaggery into the fire as an offering (children can hand it to a grown-up), and then everyone shares the same treats.

In many places, children go from house to house singing Lohri songs, and neighbours give them sweets or snacks. The evening meal is often sarson da saag with makki di roti.

Lohri treats

Many families share rewri, gajak, chikki, til laddoo, peanuts, popcorn and gur (jaggery). Sugarcane and the new corn of the season are also part of the festival in some homes. Many of these treats are made with sesame and peanuts, so please read the allergy note below.

Dulla Bhatti: a folk story

Many Lohri songs, such as “Sundar Mundriye”, remember Dulla Bhatti. He was a Punjabi chief who lived in the 16th century and led a rebellion against local officials. In folk tradition, he helped poor girls and arranged for them to be married.

Popular accounts describe Dulla Bhatti as a real person from Punjab, and the stories of his deeds are folk tradition. The details of the song vary. We share it as a story that families tell, not as proven history.

Safety first: bonfires and children

A bonfire is exciting, but it needs care. Keep children well back from the flames, and have a grown-up watching the fire at all times. Light it in an open space, away from houses, trees, wires and dry leaves, and keep a bucket of water close by. Keep the fire small, away from clothes and trees, and only a grown-up should add anything to it. Children should not add fuel or throw things in, including offerings, and long scarves and loose clothes should be kept away from the fire. Put the fire out fully before everyone goes home. If an adult prefers, a candle or a diya in a safe holder can stand in for a bonfire.

An allergy caution

Peanuts and sesame are very common in Lohri treats, and they cause serious reactions in some children. If you are sharing food, tell people what is in it. Ask a parent or carer before trying a treat, and never pass one to a child with an allergy. Fruit, plain popcorn (for older children, since it can be a choking risk for little ones) or a nut-free sweet can be good choices.

Questions to talk about

• What does it feel like to sit with others on a cold evening?
• How could we share a snack so that everyone can enjoy it safely?
• Why do you think people keep telling stories about heroes in songs?

More to explore on Rangooo

See the date on the festival calendar, play the festival quiz, read moral stories for kids together, or ask the story picker for a tale to share by the fire.

Questions

When is Lohri in 2027?

Lohri is on Thursday 14 January 2027; some calendars show 13 January, so please check for your own place.

What do families do at Lohri?

Many families light a bonfire in the evening, sing folk songs, dance and share winter treats such as peanuts, popcorn, rewri and gajak. Customs differ between families and places.

Who was Dulla Bhatti?

Dulla Bhatti is a Punjabi folk hero remembered in Lohri songs. Popular accounts describe him as a real person from Punjab, but the stories of him helping girls are folk tradition and may not be exact history.

Is it safe for children to be near a Lohri bonfire?

Children should stay at a safe distance from the fire, with a grown-up watching. Keep the fire small, away from clothes and trees, and only a grown-up should add anything to it.