Lohri lights up Maidenhead as Hindu Society marks harvest festival

Members of the Hindu Society of Maidenhead (HSM) gathered on Saturday evening to celebrate Lohri, the traditional harvest festival that marks gratitude, prosperity and new beginnings.

Around 80 people attended the event, which is now in its second year and is fast becoming a popular fixture in the society’s calendar.

Lohri, widely celebrated across Punjab, Haryana and other northern regions of India, symbolises the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.

Central to the festival are bonfires, around which people gather to offer traditional foods and sing folk songs.

Families and friends gathered around a traditional Lohri bonfire to enjoy the lively rhythms of the dhol and share an evening of togetherness at Maidenhead Community Centre.

Guests were treated to authentic Punjabi dishes, including makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, adding to the festive atmosphere and cultural authenticity of the celebration.

Organisers extended their thanks to Chandar Mohan Malhotra, Eneet Walia, Kalpana Saurabh and Preeti Garg for their dedication in making the evening a success, as well as to the team of volunteers whose efforts ensured a memorable celebration for all.

Attendee Shashi Vij said: “It was heartening to see such a wonderful turnout for our second Lohri celebration. The atmosphere was full of warmth, joy, and togetherness – exactly what Lohri stands for. Seeing families come together around the bonfire truly made all the hard work worthwhile.”

Lohri is traditionally observed on January 13 each year, on the eve of the Hindu festival Makar Sankranti, to mark the close of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

HSM members said they look forward to celebrating many more festivals together, strengthening community ties and sharing cultural traditions in Maidenhead.