Lohri 2026 in New Zealand: Wed, Jan 14 — Puja Time by City

Significance

Lohri gives thanks to earth, sun and fire for the new crop (sugarcane, mustard, groundnut) and the rabi sowing; sesame and jaggery (til-rodi, hence Lohri) are offered to the fire with the words 'aadar aaye, daliddar jaaye' — may honour come and want depart.

The circling of the fire and the offering, with fire as witness, is how a new member of the household (a bride or a baby) is welcomed into the community — which is why the 'first Lohri' is held so important.

The tale of Dulla Bhatti — a Punjabi hero who rescued poor girls (Sundri and Mundri) and had them married — is retold every year in the Lohri songs ('Sundar Mundriye… ho!'); it is also a festival of respect for daughters.

Puja vidhi (brief)

1. In the day children go door to door asking for Lohri — singing to collect rewri, peanuts, jaggery and coins (abroad, within the apartment block or community).
2. After sunset light a bonfire of wood and dung-cakes in an open space (abroad, check permits and fire-pit rules).
3. Everyone circles the fire together; offer rewri, peanuts, popcorn, sesame and jaggery into the flames saying 'aadar aaye, daliddar jaaye'.
4. The newly-wed couple / the parents of the newborn lead the circling; take the elders' blessings and share the shagun (a plate of rewri and peanuts).
5. Bhangra and giddha to the dhol, the Sundar-Mundriye songs; then sarson ka saag, makki ki roti and kheer/khichdi with everyone.
6. Next morning is Makar Sankranti — sesame-jaggery, khichdi and the bath and charity complete the festival.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lohri 2026 on the same day in New Zealand and India?

No. India: Tuesday, January 13, 2026; Auckland (New Zealand): Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The tithi is judged at the local deciding moment, which falls on a different calendar day here.

Which time zone are these timings in?

Each row is in that city's own local time with daylight saving applied (NZST/NZDT for Auckland).

How are Lohri and Makar Sankranti related?

Lohri is the last day of Paush and the next morning the sun enters Makara — Makar Sankranti/Maghi. One night of fire, the next day of bath, charity and sesame-jaggery.

What is a 'first Lohri'?

The first Lohri after a marriage or after a baby's birth — the community holds a big celebration at that home, the couple/baby lead the circling and shagun is shared. Today a daughter's first Lohri is celebrated with equal fanfare.

Is Lohri only a Punjabi festival?

Originally of Punjab-Haryana, but now kept across north India and in diaspora communities; the same day is Bhogi in Tamil Nadu and the eve of Magh Bihu in Assam.

How do we make a bonfire abroad?

In a backyard fire-pit or at a community hall/gurdwara event; many cities need a permit for an open fire — check local rules. Without a fire, a symbolic offering with candles/lamps is also done.

Daily panchang in New Zealand

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Other years