Songs and Poems for Lohri: The Musical Soul of the Festival
Lohri is one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals celebrated in Punjab and across North India. True to the Punjabi spirit, music, poetry, and dance form the heart of Lohri celebrations. From early morning till late night, Lohri resonates with folk songs, playful couplets, rhythmic beats of the dhol, and energetic dances.
Much like carol singing or Halloween trick-or-treating, children go door to door singing Lohri songs and asking for treats, money, popcorn, peanuts, and sweets. Singing is not optional—it is an essential part of receiving Lohri!
Lohri Songs Sung by Children (Door-to-Door Tradition)
Children sing humorous and teasing couplets that encourage generosity while adding fun and laughter to the celebration.
Popular Children’s Lohri Couplets
“Dabba bharaya leera da,
Ai ghar ameera da!”
Meaning:
“The box is filled with rags, yet this house belongs to the rich!”
(A playful taunt urging the household to give generously.)
“Hukka bhai hukkaa,
Ai ghar bhukka!”
Meaning:
“Hukka! Oh Hukka!
This house is empty—or miserly!”
(Sung jokingly if treats are delayed.)
These light-hearted verses reflect Lohri’s cheeky humor and community bonding.
Seasonal Poetry Welcoming Spring (Basant)
Lohri also marks the transition from winter to spring. One of the most quoted Punjabi folk verses during this time beautifully captures the seasonal change:
“Ayi Rut Basant Di, Te Mooli Chadiya Bheen,
Dhoopa Pargat Hoiya, Te Ghar Nu Chaliya Seen.”
Meaning:
“The season of spring has arrived, radishes have flowered,
The sun shines again, and winter has gone home.”
This verse symbolizes hope, renewal, warmth, and agricultural abundance.
The Iconic Lohri Song of Dulla Bhatti
No Lohri celebration is complete without singing the legendary song dedicated to Dulla Bhatti, Punjab’s folk hero. The song honors his courage, generosity, and protection of the poor.
Most Popular Lohri Folk Song
“Sunder mundriye ho!
Tera kaun vicharaa ho!
Dullah Bhatti walla ho!
Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!
Ser shakkar payee ho!”
(Selected verses commonly sung)
Meaning (Summary):
“Oh beautiful girl, who will care for you?
Dulla Bhatti will!
He arranged marriages for daughters of the poor
And gifted them sugar as dowry.”
The song continues with humorous, dramatic lines describing generosity, injustice, and playful demands for Lohri offerings—ending with the famous line:
“Sanoo de de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!”
(“Give us Lohri, and may your couple live long!”)
Another Popular Lohri Poem Sung While Collecting Treats
“Saalee paireen juttee!
Jeevey sahib dee kuttee!
Kuttee no nikalya phoraah!
Jeevey sahib da ghorah!”
Meaning (Simplified):
“My sister-in-law wears slippers!
Long live the master’s dog!
The dog got a sore!
Long live the master’s horse!”
This humorous chain continues, ending with a cheerful demand:
“Dey maaee daanya da chajj!”
(“Oh auntie, give us a basket full of popcorn!”)
These playful rhymes add tongue-in-cheek humor to Lohri celebrations.
Lohri Songs for Newlyweds and Engagements
In homes celebrating a recent marriage or engagement, special Lohri songs are sung to bless the couple and welcome the bride into the family.
Popular Wedding-Related Lohri Song
“Hulle nee maiyee hulle!
Do beri patte jhulle!
Es munde de ghar mangneva,
Es munde di voti niki!”
Meaning (Summary):
“Slowly, mother, slowly…
There is celebration in this boy’s house.
The bride is sweet and skilled,
Grinding sweets and filling plates with love.”
These songs celebrate new beginnings, family unity, and prosperity.
Additional Common Lohri Chants & Short Verses
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“De de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!”
(Give Lohri, may your couple live long) -
“Til gur khao, saal nava manao!”
(Eat sesame and jaggery, celebrate the New Year) -
“Agge bhaj ke Lohri, pichhe bhaj ke Holi!”
(Lohri comes running, Holi follows soon)
The Spirit Behind Lohri Songs and Poems
Lohri folk songs and poems reflect:
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Gratitude for harvest and nature
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Celebration of bravery and generosity
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Community participation and humor
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Blessings for prosperity, marriage, and fertility
Above all, they capture Punjab’s lively, warm, and joyous spirit, making Lohri a festival where music becomes a shared language of happiness.
लोहड़ी गीत (पंजाबी और हिमाचली) हिंदी में पढ़ें और वीडियो में सुनें, क्लिक करें