9 Lohri traditional thali dishes to celebrate the festive  

Significance of Lohri Festival | Lohri Traditional Food 2025 | Lohri Thali Dishes 2025

In Punjab, the mythology of Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who is credited with saving young girls from slavery under Mughal Emperor Akbar, is linked to the history of Lohri.

The Dulla Bhatti, a Muslim highway robber and Punjabi hero, Dulla Bhatti saved two daughters, Sundri and Mundri, from slavery sale. They were his sisters, and he planned their weddings.

What is the story behind Lohri Festival?

According to folk tales: The name of Dulla Bhatti is included in several Lohri songs, and his history is a well-known aspect of Lohri folklore. Along with singing traditional folk songs in honour of Dulla Bhatti, children also visit homes.

During Lohri festivities, a bonfire is lit, people dress traditionally, sing and dance around it, and give the blaze ground peanuts, gur ki rewari, and makhana (fox nuts).

It is a sign of winter comes to an end and a new harvest season begins with the harvest festival of Lohri. A day before to the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti, also called Maghi, it is observed on January 13 or 14 every year.

In Punjab, people make sarso ka saag along with desi split black gram dal khichdi made with pure desi ghee. It is a lohri traditional thali dish that is considered auspicious thali to start the New Year 2025.

However, there are 9 lohri traditional thali dishes in every Punjabi household that must be there in your lohri celebration as well as New Year in Punjab, India.

Let’s dive into the 9 Lohri Traditional Thali Dishes in Punjab:

1. The Original Vibe of Punjab ‘Sarson da Saag’:

The one of the most lohri traditional thali dishes in Punjab is ‘Sarson da Saag’ which is delicious as well as nutritious served with white homemade butter of Punjab. During Lohri Sarso da Saag is considered auspicious to start your new year with.

2. Lohri Traditional thali dish: ‘Desi split black gram dal khichdi’

This is the second most cooked recipe of the lohri traditional thali dishes which will made with desi ghee and this tasty Khichadi Made with whole black urad dal and rice specially on lohri, a traditional Punjabi Dish as made in home of Punjab during winters.

3. The Heartbeat of Punjab’s Winter: ‘Makki ki Roti’

Makki ki Roti, hearty cornbread is a lohri traditional thali dish for the Punjabi harvest festival of Lohri. It’s often made with fresh ground corn including spice like ajwain, and eaten with white butter on top. This will be served with radish, radish leaves, coriander leaves, and green chilies as side salad in Punjab.

4. Traditional Lohri Treats: ‘Atta Ladoo, Pinni, and Panjeeri’

Atta Pinni, till pinni/ladoo, besan ladoo are the sweet ladoos made with atta, till, besan and dry fruits which we use in Indian cooking to make roti, halwa and more. Basically Pinnis are a perfect snack during winters as they keep the body warm and increase the body’s immunity against diseases.

5. The Healthy Snack in winters ‘Gur ki Gajak’:

Winters are incomplete without Gur ki Gajak or Gur Chikki, Gajak is a winter essential snack that is usually relished as lohri traditional thali dishes. Gajak is traditionally prepared with sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery.

6. Lohri Traditional thali Dish ‘Gur and Till Rewadi’:

The deliciousness of nibbling on til sweets like rewaris, gajjaks, and chikkis cannot be missed. The term “til chikki” describes white sesame seeds, which are particularly tasty and nutritious throughout the winter months. These may be made with either sugar or jaggery and white sesame seeds.

These are also frequently offered for sale in confectioneries, particularly those that serve Lohri traditional thali dishes.

7. The Lohri Crunch of Chiwda and Popcorn: A Memory in Every Bite

Popcorn and chiwda, loved by people of all ages. Not only do people munch on these while enjoying the Lohri bonfire, but they also pop them into the fire as a form of Prasad on lohri traditional thali dishes.

8. Dry Fruits: A Handful of Lohri’s Blessings

In India, no celebration is complete without sweets and dry fruits, and Lohri is no exception. The traditional Lohri thali features an array of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins, figs, and dates, which elevate the flavours and essence of the festivities.

9. Roah ki Kheer: The Oldest traditional Lohri Rice Pudding of Punjab

Roah/Rauh ki kheer holds significant cultural importance in Punjab, especially during the Lohri festival. Made from rice cooked in fresh sugarcane juice, it symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Traditionally prepared on the last day of the month Poh and enjoyed on Magh’s first day, this dish reflects Punjabi heritage and agricultural practices. It is often served cold with curd, enhancing its festive appeal and connecting families to their roots and traditions. The dish embodies simplicity and community spirit, making it a cherished part of Lohri celebrations.

In a nutshell, the 9 traditional Lohri thali dishes are sure to brighten your celebrations, marking the harvest season and the start of the New Year with auspiciousness. If you wish to master these authentic Lohri recipes at home, consider completing a culinary course to make every festival special with traditional food made by you.

Read more the biggest festival traditional thali in India: 9 Ganesh/Ganpati Chaturthi Traditional Recipes for Prasad