Lohri 2026: Why is the story of 'Dulla Bhatti' told on Lohri? Learn about the significance of this tradition.

News Topical, Digital Desk: The festival of Lohri isn't just about dancing around a fire and eating rewari and peanuts, but rather a reminder of courage, humanity, and standing up against injustice. Whenever the Lohri fire is lit, the name of Dulla Bhatti resonates. A Lohri celebration is considered incomplete without mentioning Dulla Bhatti. Let's find out who Dulla Bhatti was and why he is remembered every year.

Who was Dulla Bhatti?

Dulla Bhatti was a folk hero in Punjab during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. He is also known as the "Robin Hood of Punjab." He robbed the rich of their wealth to help the poor and always championed the rights of the oppressed. However, his greatest fame stemmed from his defense of the honor of girls.

The story that made Dulla Bhatti immortal

According to the story , a poor Brahmin had two daughters named Sundari and Mundari. The village headman had an evil eye on them and wanted to marry them by intimidation. The poor Brahmin approached Dulla Bhatti for help.

Dulla Bhatti not only took responsibility for the girls' safety. He also arranged their marriages with the boys their fathers had chosen by lighting a fire in the Nambardar's forest. Since the Brahmin had nothing to offer, Dulla Bhatti offered them sugar (jaggery) as a gift. Lohri is celebrated every year to commemorate this joy and victory.

Lohri folk songs and Dulla Bhatti

Even today, when children go from door to door asking for Lohri, they sing: " You are beautiful Mundariya ! Who will think of you? You are Dulla Bhatti's!" These lines recreate that incident and express gratitude to Dulla Bhatti.

Lohri and its message in today's times

The festival of Lohri marks the end of winter and the arrival of new crops. This festival teaches us that respect for women is paramount in society. The story of Dulla Bhatti reminds us that true happiness lies in sharing what we have. This Lohri, as you offer sesame seeds and rewadi to the fire, pledge to fight evil and become virtuous, just like Dulla Bhatti.

Read More: Lohri 2026: Why is the story of 'Dulla Bhatti' told on Lohri? Learn about the significance of this tradition.