Lohri feels like a warm embrace in the middle of winter. After all, it is all about gathering your loved ones around crackling bonfires, hearty food, and joyful music. Marking the end of the harvest season, it’s a time to honour nature’s bounty and share abundance with loved ones.
If you’re hosting a Lohri party this year, the key is to balance traditional charm and personal touches. From food to decor, here’s a complete guide to creating a celebration that will leave your guests smiling long after the flames die down.
When it comes to Lohri, food is the star of the show. Start with the timeless Punjabi staples: makki di roti paired with sarson da saag, served with dollops of white butter. These dishes are soul food for the season and perfect to serve as the main attraction.
But don’t stop there — add appetizers like paneer tikka, Amritsari fish, and kebabs for variety. These crowd-pleasers are easy to prepare ahead of time and are sure to be a hit.
For the classic desserts, go ahead with til ke laddoos, gajak, and rewari. If you want to get creative, elevate your dessert game with modern additions like mini jars of gur ki kheer, chikki tarts, or even badam ka halwa.
The winter chill calls for drinks that warm both body and soul. Start with chai, brewed with ginger and a hint of cardamom — perfect for a cosy evening around the bonfire.
For something a little more indulgent, prepare kesari doodh (saffron milk) with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. Consider adding mulled wine or a desi twist to a hot toddy made with local spices like cinnamon and cloves. You can even set up a drink station with clay kulhads for serving — it’s a charming touch that elevates the experience.
The bonfire is where stories are shared, songs are sung, and memories are made. But keeping everyone comfortable while they gather around the flames is just as important.
Create a cosy seating area with shawls, blankets, and floor cushions so guests can linger comfortably in the winter air. For a rustic and authentic vibe, you can also add low wooden stools and charpais around the bonfire, and hand out paper cones filled with roasted makhana, popcorn, peanuts, and rewaris.
No Lohri party is complete without music and dancing. Hire a dhol player to get the energy levels soaring or curate a playlist of classic Punjabi folk songs. For the bold and enthusiastic, organise a dance-off – nothing says Lohri like showing off your bhangra moves!
For those who might be shy to jump into dancing right away, curate a playlist of Punjabi folk songs or even modern Punjabi hits. Create an atmosphere where guests feel the beats in their bones and can’t resist the dance floor.
Gather around the elders for storytelling sessions and play games like antakshari to add a little depth and connection to the celebration.
The right decor can transform your party into a warm and inviting space. Use phulkari dupattas as table runners or wall hangings to add vibrant pops of colour. Garlands of marigold flowers or fairy lights draped around trees and the bonfire area can create a soft, festive glow.
You can elevate your serving area with brass utensils, clay pots, and cane baskets to give your party a rustic yet elegant touch. For something more fun, set up a photo corner with props like Punjabi juttis, Patiala scarves, and fun placards and let your guests capture memories from the evening.
Finally, don’t forget the return gifts—they’re a thoughtful way to thank your guests for coming. Small packs of til laddoos, gajak, or even jars of jaggery-coated nuts make perfect takeaways. For that personal touch, you could also include a handwritten thank-you note.
Lohri is all about warmth, joy, and togetherness. With this checklist, you’ll have all the ingredients for a party that’s as memorable as the festival itself. So gather your friends and family, light the bonfire, bring out the dhol, and let the celebrations begin!
