Hosting a Lohri Party in the UK might feel slightly different from celebrating it back in Punjab, Delhi, or even your nani’s courtyard, but trust us, it can be just as warm, vibrant, and meaningful. Lohri, traditionally celebrated in January, marks the end of winter and celebrates harvest, fertility, and community. In the UK, it has evolved into a beautiful blend of tradition and modern diaspora life, where bonfires meet playlists, and makki di roti shares space with samosas and prosecco.
Whether you’re Punjabi by heritage, married into a Punjabi family, or simply someone who loves celebrating culture through food and music, this guide will walk you through how to host a Lohri party in the UK, without losing the soul of the festival or upsetting the neighbours.
What Is Lohri and Why Is It Celebrated?
Before we dive into logistics, it helps to understand what Lohri is all about, especially if you’re introducing it to friends who might ask, “So… is this like Diwali with fire?”
Lohri is a winter folk festival, predominantly celebrated in Punjab and parts of North India. It marks the end of the harsh winter season and the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice. Traditionally linked to the harvest of rabi crops like wheat, Lohri is also deeply associated with new beginnings, particularly weddings and the birth of a first child.
In the UK, Lohri has become a cultural anchor for the Punjabi diaspora, a way to stay connected to roots while building new traditions abroad.
Planning a Lohri Party in the UK: Where to Start?
Hosting a Lohri party in the UK requires a bit of planning, especially when you factor in weather, space, and UK regulations.
- Choose the Right Venue
Most UK Lohri parties happen in:
- Back gardens (weather permitting)
- Community halls
- Gurdwara halls (for larger, more traditional gatherings)
- Indoor house parties with symbolic rituals
If you’re hosting at home, make sure you have enough space for guests to mingle, dance, and eat—Lohri is not a sit-down-and-whisper kind of celebration.
- Timing Matters
In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated on 13 January, but in the UK, many people choose the nearest weekend. Evening gatherings work best, especially if you’re planning music, dancing, and a symbolic bonfire moment.
The Lohri Bonfire: UK-Style and Council-Friendly
Let’s talk about the star of the show—the bonfire.
Can You Have a Bonfire in the UK?
Yes, but with caution. If you have a garden:
- Use a small fire pit or chiminea
- Avoid smoke-heavy materials
- Check local council guidelines
- Inform neighbours in advance (a simple courtesy message goes a long way)
If a real bonfire isn’t possible, many UK Lohri hosts opt for:
- LED fire bowls
- Candle circles
- Decorative lanterns with symbolic offerings
Remember, the spirit of Lohri matters more than the size of the flames.
Lohri Rituals You Can Easily Do at Home
Even in the UK, Lohri traditions can be beautifully maintained with small, meaningful gestures.
Traditional Lohri Offerings
Prepare small bowls of:
- Peanuts
- Rewari
- Gajak
- Sesame seeds
- Popcorn
Guests can take turns offering these around the fire (or symbolic centrepiece) while chanting traditional Lohri phrases.
Singing and Clapping
No Lohri party is complete without clapping rhythms and folk songs. Encourage guests, even the shy ones, to join in. Lohri is communal, not performative.
Lohri Food Ideas for a UK Party
Food is where Lohri truly shines, and hosting a Lohri party in the UK gives you the freedom to mix tradition with convenience.
- Classic Lohri Foods
- Makki di roti
- Sarson da saag
- Chole
- Rajma
- Paneer tikka
- Punjabi kadhi
If cooking everything from scratch feels overwhelming, remember, this is a celebration, not MasterChef.
- Easy UK-Friendly Lohri Menu Ideas
- Mini makki roti bites with saag dip
- Samosas and pakoras from your local Indian store
- Slow-cooker chole (lifesaver for busy hosts)
- Ready-made gajak and rewari from South Asian supermarkets
- Drinks for a Lohri Party
Traditionally, Lohri is alcohol-free, but modern UK celebrations often include:
- Masala chai
- Sweet lassi
- Mango juice
- Optional wine or prosecco for adult gatherings
Balance is key, just like the playlist.
Music for a Lohri Party
Music sets the mood, and Lohri music is all about energy, rhythm, and nostalgia.
- Traditional Lohri Songs
Include classics that celebrate Punjabi folk culture. Even if guests don’t know the lyrics, they’ll recognise the beats.
- Modern Punjabi Hits
Blend in:
- Bhangra tracks
- Bollywood Punjabi anthems
- UK Punjabi artists for a diaspora touch
Pro tip: Create a Lohri playlist that starts traditional and gradually gets more upbeat, perfect for easing guests into dancing.
What to Wear to a Lohri Party in the UK?
Lohri fashion is colourful, festive, and unapologetically joyful.
Traditional Attire
- Phulkari dupattas
- Salwar kameez
- Kurta pyjamas
- Bright shawls
UK-Weather Friendly Styling
Layer smartly:
- Woollen shawls over ethnic wear
- Stylish jackets that don’t clash with colours
- Comfortable footwear—there will be dancing
Encourage guests to dress in colourful. Lohri is not the time for beige.
Decorating for Lohri: Simple but Festive
You don’t need to turn your house into a wedding venue to host a memorable Lohri party.
Easy Lohri Decoration Ideas
- Fairy lights (indoor and outdoor)
- Marigold garlands (real or artificial)
- Colourful cushions and throws
- Brass bowls with peanuts and sweets
- Traditional Punjabi props like dhols or woven baskets
A warm, welcoming vibe matters more than perfection.
Hosting Lohri with Non-Indian Guests
One of the joys of hosting a Lohri party in the UK is sharing culture with friends from different backgrounds.
How to Make Everyone Feel Included?
- Briefly explain the meaning of Lohri at the start
- Demonstrate rituals rather than expecting guests to know them
- Encourage participation without pressure
- Serve food with mild spice options
Most guests will love learning something new, especially when food is involved.
Lohri for Families and Children
Lohri is a fantastic festival for children growing up in the UK. It helps them connect with their cultural roots in a fun, tangible way.
Child-Friendly Lohri Ideas
- Let kids help prepare offering bowls
- Teach them simple Lohri songs
- Encourage traditional dress
- Share stories about Lohri’s origins
It becomes more than a party, it becomes memory-making.
Lohri in the UK: A Diaspora Tradition That Keeps Evolving
Over the years, Lohri celebrations in the UK have grown from small family gatherings into large community events. Gurdwaras, cultural associations, and Punjabi societies across cities like London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Manchester host Lohri nights filled with music, food, and shared heritage.
Hosting Lohri at home adds a personal layer, it turns tradition into a lived experience rather than something observed from afar.
Final Thoughts: Making Lohri Your Own
Hosting a Lohri Party in the UK doesn’t require perfection, tradition-heavy rulebooks, or a massive budget. It requires warmth, intention, and a willingness to bring people together.
Whether your Lohri includes a real fire pit or fairy lights, traditional folk songs or a Spotify remix, what truly matters is the spirit of gratitude, joy, and community.
At CurryBien, we love celebrating how South Asian traditions adapt, thrive, and find new meaning in diaspora spaces. Lohri in the UK is proof that culture doesn’t fade; it evolves, dances, eats well, and invites everyone to join in.
So light that symbolic flame, pass the peanuts, turn up the music, and celebrate Lohri your way.
