Lohri is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Bathinda, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and agricultural traditions of Punjab. Celebrated every year on 13th January, Lohri marks the end of the cold winter season and the arrival of longer, warmer days, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. Lohri is deeply rooted in Punjab’s farming culture and is celebrated as a harvest festival, especially for crops like sugarcane and wheat. It is a time when people express gratitude to nature and the Sun for a bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
The festival is also associated with the legendary folk hero Dulla Bhatti, whose stories are sung during the celebrations, symbolizing bravery, justice, and community values. In Bathinda, Lohri is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and community spirit. The highlight of the festival is the bonfire, around which families and neighbors gather in the evening. People offer sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn into the fire as a mark of respect and gratitude.