Lohri 2026 : Is It On January 13th or 14th January? Know Exact Date and Significances

As the sun begins its northward trip, Lohri, a colorful midwinter harvest celebration, heralds the conclusion of the winter solstice and the start of longer, brighter days. The event, which is held the day before Makar Sankrantiand has deep cultural and spiritual importance, is deeply ingrained in Punjabi history. Here is all the information you require about this auspicious occasion, from significant dates to Shubh Muhurat.

When is Lohri 13 or 14 of January?

Every year, India celebrates Lohrion January 13 and 14, the day before Makar Sankranti, a Hindu holiday.The ancient Bikrami calendar, which combines solar and lunar cycles, determines its date. According to Drik Panchang, this year's Lohri falls on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and the Lohri Sankranti moment takes place at 03:13 PM on January 14, 2026.

Lohri Customs and Traditions

• Lighting bonfires made of wood and cow dung cakes is a holy custom that is typically carried out in public areas or outside of homes to commemorate Lohri.
• As part of the celebration, devotees circle the bonfire to perform parikrama, and traditional offerings such as sesame seeds, jaggery, gajak, rewri, and peanuts are made to the fire.
• With prayers to the fire god Agni and the sun god Surya Devta, the celebration honors agricultural abundance and asks for blessings for a bountiful harvest.
• Around the brilliant bonfire, families gather to share celebratory sweets, dance to upbeat dhol sounds, and enjoy the warmth and happiness that characterize Lohri celebrations.

Origins Of Lohri 

The origins of Lohriare found in long-standing family traditions and folklore that have been passed down through the generations. Traditionally observed as a harvest festival, it was particularly significant to farming populations whose way of life depended heavily on agriculture.

Over time, Lohri has also come to represent the worship of fire, which stands for light, warmth, and rebirth. The celebration heralds the coming of longer days and the slow retreat of the severe winter. For the sacred bonfire, special foods and offerings are made in the belief that these customs would bring wealth, drive out negativity, and open the door to a prosperous and happy season.

Lohri and Makar Sakranti In South India

• In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal. In states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, schools are usually closed for several days during the four-day Pongal harvest festival. The exact holiday dates will be determined by the appropriate state education agencies' 2026 academic schedules.
• All parents and kids are strongly encouraged to read the official announcements and circulars from their local education departments or school administrations. 

This is the most reliable way to find out which regions have mandatory official holidays and which specific schools might be observing voluntary or localized closures for Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri.

Public Holiday On Lohri

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Negotiable Instruments Act, certain festivals are observed throughout the nation and cause state-specific bank closures.

Banks will be closed on usual weekly off days, such as all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, in addition to certain festival-related holidays. Republic Day, which falls on January 26, is another national holiday in January during which all Indian banks would be closed.

The ceremony praises agricultural riches and requests blessings for a bountiful harvest through prayers to the sun god Surya Devta and the fire god Agni.

Families congregate around the beautiful blaze to experience the warmth and joy that define Lohri celebrations, share festive candies, and dance to lively dhol sounds.

Customers in various areas may have to wait longer for banking services at physical locations due to a number of holidays that come between January 13 and January 17.