Lohri 2026 is just a few days away. The festival marks the joy of harvest in India and signals that the chilly season is about to end. In Punjabi culture, people also celebrate Lohri to mark new beginnings in the family. But beyond its cultural significance, Lohri is uniquely special for newlyweds. And the reason to celebrate the first Lohri as a married couple is closely related to the cosmos.

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The astrological significance of the first Lohri for newlyweds

The first Lohri after marriage isn’t just about the auspicious bonfire, sweets, and pretty outfits. In astrology, the festival marks the sun’s shift towards the North, also called Uttarayan, which begins on January 14, the day after Lohri. This symbolises the sun’s transition through Capricorn, a period that’s all about new beginnings, growth, and prosperity.

When newlyweds perform the festival’s rituals during this celestial shift, they indirectly invite the cosmic energies to bless them with positivity and happiness. When newlyweds offer harvested grains, sesame seeds, jaggery and other ingredients to the auspicious fire, they channel the sun’s energy into their lives.

Rituals to perform on the first Lohri after marriage

Newlywed women receive gifts, jewellery, sagan, new clothes, til-based sweets, and ghee from their parents’ home. Since it’s their first Lohri, newlyweds also host a traditional Punjabi feast at their in-laws’ home. The dinner usually includes makki ki roti with sarso da saag, along with other seasonal dishes. Both the husband and wife dress up in new, festive clothes to celebrate their first Lohri together.

As a newlywed, you also decorate the Lohri area together with your spouse and set up the bonfire. You then have to take seven circles around the bonfire together while throwing sesame seeds, popcorn, revri, jaggery, sugarcane, and other food items into the holy fire. People sing Punjabi folk songs like Sunder Mundriye and dance to its rhythmic beats around the Lohri bonfire. As newlyweds, you also get several gifts from both sides of the family who bless your married life.

Related: 5 Easy Recipes To Make This Lohri Scrumptious And Healthy

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FAQs

Q1. What should we gift to newlyweds on Lohri?

For their first Lohri, you can gift festival-themed sweets, planters like lucky bamboo, silver coins, jewellery, and more.

Q2. Can non-Punjabi couples celebrate Lohri as newlyweds?

Yes. While Lohri is traditionally a Punjabi festival, you can celebrate it as a couple from different cultures.

Q3. Is it okay to celebrate Lohri in a modern or minimal way?

Yes, many people today focus on intimate Lohri celebrations that focus on gratitude, togetherness, and symbolic rituals rather than large gatherings.

Q4. Besides sweets, what dishes are usually made on Lohri?

Apart from traditional sweets like gajak, til ke ladoo, and revri, people prepare meals like makki ki roti with sarso da saag, along with other seasonal lentils and vegetables.

Q5. Which type of wood should be used for a bonfire for Lohri?

While people use auspicious mango wood to celebrate Lohri, you can use all kinds of wooden logs as long as they are dry and non-toxic.