Popcorn, potlucks, & parties: Lohri traditions meet trends

A crackling bonfire, the aroma of gajak and revadi, the crunch of popcorn and the sway of traditional Punjabi songs – that's how NCR plans to celebrate Lohri amid the winter chill. Across NCR, the classic bonfire gets a contemporary twist, with arcade games, potlucks, fusion fare and BBQs. Less about the harvest and more about the vibe, Lohri today is all bonfires, dhol beats, folk songs and dressing up in traditional finery.

'First Lohris hold deep emotional value'

Pehli Lohri is a sentimental Punjabi tradition, especially for newlyweds and newborn babies. "First Lohris hold deep emotional value in our culture. They're about welcoming the child, seeking blessings from elders and being connected to our roots," says Ridhi Mahajan, a finance professional celebrating her niece’s first Lohri. This year, she is looking forward to twinning with her niece in traditional outfits.

'Food is the heart of Lohri'

When it comes to hosting, catered buffets and sit-down dinners remain the preferred way to entertain. "Food is really at the heart of Lohri parties. Indian food is most popular, with winter favourites like makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, moong dal and gajar halwa becoming seasonal highlights. There’s also a strong demand for barbecue dishes, tikkas and warming soups in this weather," says Savar Malhotra, founder of a Gurgaon-based catering company.

'Sundar Mundariye remains the most iconic Lohri song'

Communities in Delhi also come together to celebrate festivals. For the past 12 years, Manmohan Singh, founder of hiking group Gurgaon Walkers, has hosted an annual Lohri party for his community. With a potluck planned this year, he says, "Around the bonfire, senior members share folk stories from Punjab – so our culture is passed on and kept alive. Enjoying food and music under a starlit sky, Lohri becomes a kind of digital detox for us. For those few hours, people aren’t counting steps or posting for likes – they're just talking, laughing and sharing meals like a family."

Planning a Punjabi jam session at a resto, Nishant Mishra, founder of Soul Strings Project, says, "The celebration will begin with people seated around the bonfire, listening to soothing melodies, before switching to Punjabi dance numbers. Sundar Mundariye is the most iconic Lohri song, and I’m really looking forward to singing it."

'Punjabi songs are the highlight of a Lohri jam session'

The rise of community-led experiences in NCR underscores a shift towards socialising and connecting with strangers. Anisha Uppal, assistant marketing manager at a Delhi-based brewery hosting a Lohri party, says, "This is our first Lohri bash, and we wanted it to capture everything – music, warmth and good food. The highlight is the blend of live music and the bonfire, with Punjabi songs at the heart of the jam session."

Turn your Lohri celebration into a fun house party

• Camping: Turn your bonfire into camping or sleepover at home
• Game Night: Roll the dice and wear your thinking cap for a cosy game night
• Movie Night: Choose a cosy winter romcom or a comedy Bollywood classic for a Lohri movie night
• BBQ Night: Fire up the grill and make some yummy kebabs, tikkas and burgers
• Karaoke Night: Get a karaoke setup and sing your heart out with Punjabi hits