Treats & Prayers: city warms up to Lohri

With harvest festivals round the corner, Kolkata’s vibrant Punjabi community is gearing up to celebrate Lohri. Decked up in traditional suits, juttis and jhumkas, Ekavali Khanna, Gunnu Ahluwalia and Simran Chopra give us a sneak peek into their celebrations and share stories of family rituals they continue to nurture.

From Gajar ka halwa to gurer payesh
Lohri must-haves: Makki di roti, sarson da saag, gajar ka halwa, along with gurer mishti, payesh and fish fry for a Bengali touch
Decking up for the festival: Punjabi suit or Patiala suit with Phulkari dupatta, jhumkas, bangles and a neck piece. Kohlapuri chappals and juttis are a must
All about the celebrations: I usually celebrate it at my country house, but I miss my sons who are in distant cities during the celebrations

'Lohri for me, is the actual Thanksgiving. It’s when you get to show gratitude, celebrate Mother Nature’s endless generosity and her gifts'
– Ekavali Khanna

‘Phulkari dupattas, jewellery and the warmth of family’
Lohri must-haves: Sarson da saag, makki di roti, freshly churned makhan, gajar ka halwa, masala gur, achaar, aloo vadi, maa di sukhi daal, panjiri and raoh ki kheer
Decking up for the festival: Phulkari dupattas and salwar suits, matching jewellery and juttis
All about the celebrations: Lohri in our home celebrates life, togetherness, and lasting traditions, with good food, farm sugarcane and Punjabi flavours

'Lohri stems from the word Tilohri, blending til (sesame) and rorhi (jaggery). It symbolises prosperity and sweetness' – Gunnu Ahluwalia

‘Early morning bonfire, prayers and rituals’

Lohri must-haves: Gajak, Gurudware wala halwa, rewdi
Decking up for the festival: Phulkari dupattas, Patiala and the Punjabi juttis
All about the celebrations: For us, Lohri starts with an early morning bonfire where we go in circles and pray for forgiveness, prosperity of all and the end of evil. We also visit the Gurudwaras. I make sure my sons perform all the rituals, and know the meaning behind each of them. Childhood Lohris used to be more fun than they are now.

For me, Lohri is the celebration of harvest, bonfire and cold nights. All of it happens in the presence of love and warmth of the family
– Simran Chopra