Lohri and Makar Sankranti (original comparison table)
This table is preserved from your original page.
| Festival | Description | Relation to Sankranti | Significance | Celebration | Difference from Makar Sankranti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lohri | Lohri, a beloved winter festival, is celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus from the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent to mark the end of winter on January 13th. | Lohri is observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, marking the solar cycle, while Sankranti is linked to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit). | Lohri celebrates the harvest of winter crops, a time to express gratitude to fire and sun for their blessings on Rabi crops. | Traditions during the celebration involve gathering around a bonfire, singing and dancing, and enjoying traditional foods like gajak, sarson da saag with makki di roti, and puffed rice. Additionally, individuals toss sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaris into the flames as a gesture of releasing the past and embracing the future. | Lohri is primarily celebrated in Punjab and emphasizes the cultural importance of winter crop harvest, while Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India with different rituals and names, symbolizing the sun's shift into Capricorn. |
| Makar Sankranti | Makar Sankranti is a pan-Indian solar festival known by various names in different parts of the country. It is observed each year in January and marks the first day of the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn), signaling the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. | Makar Sankranti occurs the day following Lohri and is tied to the astrological event of the sun transitioning into Capricorn. | The festival holds great importance as it honors the sun god Surya, signaling the start of a favorable time and the conclusion of an unfavorable period. This harvest celebration marks the arrival of a new harvest season and represents change and fresh starts. | Makar Sankranti is observed by bathing in rivers, flying kites, and sharing sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery. The festival is also known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. | Makar Sankranti is celebrated more widely across India and has different cultural manifestations, whereas Lohri is predominantly a Punjabi festival. Sankranti is more about the sun's transition and is marked by kite flying and holy dips, while Lohri is centered around the bonfire and harvest celebration. |
Lohri rituals and traditions
Bonfire (Lohri da Ag)
Families come together around a roaring bonfire, offering prayers and joining hands to sing traditional folk songs as they circle the flames.
Offerings
Sesame seeds, jaggery, rewri, gajak, peanuts, and popcorn are presented as a token of gratitude to the fire.
Dhol & Bhangra/Giddha
Traditional dancing and dhol beats create a joyful community vibe.
Community sharing
Neighbors, friends, and visitors are treated to Prasad and festive snacks.
Traditional Lohri foods
Winter treats
Rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, til laddoo, and jaggery-based sweets.
Punjabi meal favorites
Mustard greens with cornmeal flatbread, chickpeas, rice pudding, and hot tea.
Sankranti sweets
Sesame-jaggery sweets like til-gud/tilkut are also popular the following day during Makar Sank
Lohri → Sankranti: 2-day festival flow
1
Night of Jan 13
Lohri celebrations with bonfire, songs, dance, and offerings.
2
Morning of Jan 14 (usually)
Makar Sankranti traditions include bathing in sacred waters, worshipping the sun, giving to those in need, and flying k
Lohri wishes (copy & share)
Short messages you can send to friends and family.
Tip: Add emojis 🔥🌾🌞🪁 for extra festive feel.
FAQ
Is Lohri a harvest festival?
Indeed, Lohri is intricately connected to the winter harvest and giving thanks to nature, particularly in Punjab.
How is Lohri connected to Makar Sankranti?
Lohri is usually observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, signaling the shift in seasons in the middle of January.
What is the main symbol of Lohri?
The bonfire is central—representing warmth, community, and a fresh start.
Welcome Sankranti
Traditional cards for Makar Sankranti
Send Cards
Modern art card showing spirit of Sankranti