Lohri is the perfect time for family and friends to get together and indulge in a sumptuous ‘Lohri Ki Thali’. Lohri celebration is incomplete without these traditional dishes that have deep cultural meaning.
Makki Di Roti and Mustard Da Saag is a delicious Punjabi dish made with mustard greens. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Lohri 2025: Celebrated on January 13, Lohri is an important harvest festival. Mainly in North India. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, the festival is traditionally celebrated on Makar Sankranti to give thanks to the Sun God and pray for a bountiful harvest.
The festival has great cultural significance as families and communities gather around bonfires, sing and dance to traditional folk music, and savor traditional sweets such as Rewari and Gajak during the celebrations.
Also read: Lohri Wishes 2025: Wishes, Images, Messages and Whatsapp Status to share
Apart from the fun and excitement, Lohri is the perfect time for family and friends to get together and indulge in a sumptuous ‘Lohri Ki Thali’. Lohri celebration is incomplete without these traditional dishes that have deep cultural meaning.
Let’s take a look at some classic recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation to elevate celebrations.
Traditional food to eat in ‘Lohri Ki Thali’
Makki Di Roti and Mustard Da Saag
This is a Punjabi dish made with delicious mustard greens. To prepare sarsan da saag, boil mustard greens, bathua and spinach leaves until soft.
Also read: Lohri 2025: History, Shab Muhurat, Rituals, and Significance of Bonfire
Fry these boiled leaves in mustard oil with garlic, green chillies and ginger. Serve hot with maki di roti or cornflour flatbreads. It is made by mixing corn flour, water and salt into a pliable dough, which is then flattened and baked on a kadwi.
jaggery bread
Another amazing food to try during Lori is gur ki roti, or molasses-filled flatbreads. These sweet dishes add a delightful touch to the Lohri festivities and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dollop of ghee.
Mix whole wheat flour, a pinch of salt, ghee and crushed jaggery to make the dough for it. Knead it to a soft consistency and make small portions of the dough into round loaves. Grill until golden brown and enjoy!
Marmore’s laddoos
These flaky, sweet and easy-to-make ladoos are a light and filling dessert that is often eaten during Lohri celebrations. All you need to make these laddas is puffed rice (marmora), jaggery and some water.
Start by heating jaggery, when hot add puffed rice. Once done, shape the mixture into balls. With its crunchy texture that blends perfectly with other soft foods on your plate, marmore laddoos offer a twist to your Lohri feast and are loved by people of all ages.
Sesame molasses
If you have a sweet tooth, til jaggery laddoos, or sesame and jaggery laddoos, are sure to win you over. Made with til (sesame seeds), groundnuts and jaggery, til jaggery laddoos are crunchy and give off a nice, nutty aroma.
Fry sesame seeds in a pan until golden brown and add melted jaggery. Now shape this mixture into small round laddoos. These bite-sized delights, similar to lohri, are not only delicious but also symbolize the warmth and sweetness of the festival.
Chose Pindi
Originating from Punjab, Pindi Chol is a spicy and bitter gram curry that is perfect with hot puris or bhotre. To prepare this dish, soak chickpeas overnight, boil until soft and keep aside.
Now fry onion, tomato and ginger-garlic paste in a pan until golden brown. Add aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala with a touch of dry mango powder.
Add the boiled chickpeas and cook until the flavors meld. Trust us, your stomach will thank you for this hearty dish on Lohri night.
Gajak
You can’t miss the goodness of Gajak, a traditional sweet made with sesame seeds, groundnuts and jaggery, during Lohri celebrations. This easy-to-prepare dessert can be made using only sesame seeds and melted jaggery.
Just spread the sesame and jaggery mixture on a greased surface, flatten it and let it cool. Once done, cut it into small square pieces and enjoy a crunchy and sweet dish that perfectly captures the festive spirit of Lohri.
- Location:
Amritsar, India