Lohri 2026 Puja Rules: What to offer to the sacred fire and what is forbidden
Lohri 2026 Puja Rules: Like every year, the festival of Lohri will be celebrated across the country on January 13th. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm, especially in Punjab and Haryana. Currently, besides Punjab and Haryana, Lohri is now celebrated in many parts of the country.
Lohri is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti and is associated with the worship of crops, nature, and the fire god. People pray for happiness, prosperity, good health, and a bountiful harvest.
According to religious and folk beliefs, every item offered to the Lohri fire has its own special significance, while some things are considered forbidden to be put in the fire.
Religious and cultural significance of the Lohri fire
The Lohri fire is considered a symbol of purification, transformation, and new beginnings. It is believed that offering oblations to the fire removes negativity from the mind and surroundings and brings positive energy into life. This festival signifies the Sun's northward movement and the change of seasons. Therefore, the festival of Lohri holds special significance in the Sikh community.
What to offer to the sacred fire
Sorghum and maize symbolize the new harvest, the changing seasons, and success achieved through hard work, representing progress and happiness in life.
Chickpeas and rice are considered symbols of abundance, stability, and family happiness, signifying that there will be no shortage of food in the home.
Sesame seeds symbolize purity and austerity, while jaggery represents sweetness and mutual harmony. Offering them to the fire is considered highly auspicious.
Peanuts and Rewari (Sesame Seed Candy)
Peanuts and Rewari are traditional items associated with the harvest, symbolizing prosperity, abundant crops, and the successful fruits of the farmers' labor.
What is forbidden to put in the Lohri fire?
In folk beliefs, salt is associated with negative energy and poverty, so it is never offered in auspicious rituals or the Lohri fire.
Plastic or chemically made items
From a religious point of view, plastic or chemically made items are considered impure and also increase environmental pollution. Therefore, according to the scriptures, it is forbidden to put them in the Lohri fire.
Leftover or impure food is also not considered worthy of offering to the deities because it violates purity and hinders the auspicious results of Lohri.
Torn or dirty clothes are considered symbols of poverty and misfortune, so they should be avoided when making offerings to the Lohri fire.