Family rituals, music & stories: Lohri comes alive in the City of Joy

The festival, marked by crackling bonfires, folk songs, and the aroma of seasonal treats, is a living tradition that brings together history, harvest, and community. Kolkata’s Punjabi community brought the flavour of their pind to a Lohri shoot with CT. They spoke about the legends associated with the festival, the must-have delicacies and how they ensure that the spirit of Lohri shines bright in the city. Culture, carried forwardFor the Punjabi community in Kolkata, celebrating Lohri with full tradition is a deeply conscious effort. Away from Punjab, families make it a point to recreate every ritual - from lighting the bonfire and singing folk songs to sharing traditional food. “The children should grow up understanding not just the festival, but the values behind it. In doing so, Lohri becomes more than a festive evening; it becomes a way of passing on identity, memory and belonging to the next generation, ensuring that traditions are not lost to time or distance,” says Sukhpreet Harika. “Gatherings, prayers and shared meals strengthen bonds. It ensures traditions are experienced together rather than in isolation,” added Parwinder Harika. Of heroes, harvests and the sacred fireLohri is steeped in folk lore that blends history, nature and oral tradition. “The most enduring legend is Dulla Bhatti, the Mughal-era Punjabi folk hero known as the “Robin Hood of Punjab” celebrated in Lohri songs for his courage and generosity around the bonfire,” said Kuldeep Kaur Gill. Lohri is also rooted in ancient agrarian beliefs that honour the Sun God and Agni (fire), with the bonfire symbolising warmth, energy and life at the peak of winter. “The festival marks the shift from winter’s coldest days to longer, brighter ones, symbolising fertility, renewal and abundance for farming communities,” adds Pravleen Bhatti. These lores live on through boliyan (oral folk verses) that pass down memory, rhythm and meaning. Lohri essentialsBonfire: The heart of the celebrationTil: Symbol of warmth and abundanceMoongphali: Shared and offered to the firePhulkian (popcorn): A traditional winter snackGur: Representing sweetness and prosperityDhol beats & folk songs: Essential for bhangra and giddaPhulkari, kurta-pajama, salwar-kameez: Festive attirePanjiri & gachak are popular Lohri treats enjoyed by familiesPics: Anindya Saha