Lohri 2026 in Saudi Arabia: Tue, Jan 13 — 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 Saudi Arabia and India?

Yes — Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Which time zone are these timings in?

Each row is in that city's own local time (Arabia Standard Time (AST) for Riyadh).

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 Saudi Arabia

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