Lohri Special Food in Punjab: Famous Sweets, Snacks and Traditional Dishes
“Sundar Mundariye”
Yes, you heard it right, Lohri is in the air!
Lohri is the most loved winter festival in Punjab, signals the end of long winter nights and the peak of harvest season. It is enthusiastically celebrated on 13th January every year.
Glowing bonfires, energetic dhol beats, meaningful singing, joyful dancing, and freshly cooked dishes, sweets and snacks—that’s Lohri in Punjab.
Are you also excited for Lohri celebrations?
In this guide, we will explore some Lohri special food in Punjab that are easy to prepare at home.
Must-Try Lohri Festival Foods to Prepare At Home
1. Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti – A Classic Punjabi Dish
Soul of every Punjabi!
Lohri feels unfinished without this iconic special duo. Sarson ka Saag is a creamy spinach curry, made with mustard greens, ginger, garlic, and spices. Makki di Roti is a flatbread prepared from cornflour. This Punjabi dish is full of flavors, made in large quantities during the Lohri festival.
2. Ganne Ke Rass Ki Khichdi – Punjabi Sweet Dish
This traditional dessert is also called Sugarcane Juice Rice Pudding or Roh di Kheer. Prepared with rice, freshly extracted sugarcane juice, and dry fruits, it holds a special connection with this festival.
3. Gajar ka Halwa – A Winter Favorite Sweet Dish
Close to the heart of every Indian, prepared during winter festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti in large quantities. Also, called Gajrela or carrot pudding, this rich and sweet dessert is made from grated carrots slow-cooked in milk, sugar, and ghee.
View this post on Instagram
4. Moong Daal ka Halwa – A Rich Winter Delight
Perfect for cold winter celebrations!
This Indian sweet is made from yellow moong dal, slow-roasted in ghee and cooked with milk, sugar, and cardamom.
5. Gur Da Halwa – A Traditional Lohri Sweet
A true winter comfort sweet!
In English, it is also known as Jaggery Pudding, made with jaggery (unrefined sugar), ghee, and flour. It is often prepared in large quantities during celebrations in Punjab and shared with family and friends.
6. Gajak – A Classic Lohri Winter Sweet
A true queen of the Lohri festival!
Sitting around the bonfire and enjoying gajak with loved ones is another level of comfort. It is often prepared at home.
7. Peanut Chikki – A Crunchy Lohri Delight
In English, it is also known as Peanut Brittle and is enjoyed during winter festivals like Lohri. It is made from roasted peanuts and jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), which are cooked into a crunchy candy.
8. Til ki Chikki – A Traditional Sesame Sweet
A delight to chill on Lohri night!
Til ki Chikki is a special Lohri treat in the Punjab state. It is crunchy, sweet, and made with roasted sesame seeds and jaggery. This sweet symbolizes prosperity and warmth.
9. Panjiri – A Nutritious Winter Special
Lives in the heart of every Punjabi.
Panjiri is enjoyed especially during winters and made from roasted whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar/jaggery, and nuts. This winter treat gives comfort, warmth, and strength.
10. Pinni – A Rich Punjabi Winter Sweet
A hearty, wholesome treat for cosy winters!
Pinni is a Punjabi sweet made with whole wheat flour, jaggery, dry fruits, and generous ghee. It has a dense texture and its warming flavors are best for festive sharing.
11. Chana Dal Khichdi – A Wholesome Festive Dish
Chana Dal khichdi is a bliss at every festival! This is a traditional Punjabi dish of rice and Chana dal. Made by tempering spices in ghee or oil and sautéing ginger, garlic, and chilies.
Lohri Bonfire Offering (Prasad): What is Offered in Lohri Prasad?
Families come together to celebrate this festival, begins in the evening. They gather around the bonfire and offer symbolic food items (Lohri Prasad) to the sacred bonfire (agni) as a part of ritual. The Prasad items are Popcorn, roasted peanuts, rewari, til (sesame seeds). During this ritual, they also pray for prosperity and growth and after that, the same Prasad is shared among everyone.
Want to Turn Your Love for Festival Foods into a Culinary Career?
Join NFCI – National Finishing and Cookery Institute.
With 36 years of excellence in culinary arts and hospitality education, NFCI offers skill-based hotel management programs and cookery courses.
In our programs, students learn authentic techniques, kitchen management, and much more from experienced chefs.
Why does NFCI stand out?
- Hands-on kitchen training
- 100% placement support
- Expert faculty chefs
- Pan-India presence across 21 campuses
- Industry-relevant exposure
Apply today to start your journey in the world of professional cooking and cook like a pro! Need more information? Call us at 9888011222 to book your free counselling session.
Wishing you a warm Lohri!
May your year be as sweetas the sweets on your Lohri plate!
You may also like
