Phulkari dupatta
Punjab's hand-embroidered dupatta in bright silk thread. The classic outfit piece for a first Lohri.
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First Lohri gifts for a new bride or baby
Gift ideas for a new bride's or baby's first Lohri: phulkari, festive sweets, keepsakes and warm wear, plus what the family traditionally gives.
Why the first Lohri is a big one
Lohri is Punjab's bonfire festival, marking the end of the coldest stretch of winter. It falls in mid-January, the night before Maghi and Makar Sankranti. For 2027, most calendars place it on 13 January, though some families mark it on the 14th, so confirm with your own.
In Punjabi families, the first Lohri after a wedding or a birth is celebrated like a small function. Relatives gather around the fire, toss in til, peanuts, popcorn and rewari, sing the old Lohri songs, and the new bride or baby is at the centre of it all. More and more families now celebrate a baby girl's first Lohri as joyfully as a boy's, and it is a lovely tradition to be part of.
For a new bride
Her in-laws usually give her a new outfit and jewellery for the evening. If you are a relative or friend, a phulkari dupatta is the most fitting gift: it is the traditional embroidery of Punjab and she will wear it to the fire. Add something warm, because January nights by the bonfire are cold.
Gold-plated bangle set
Festive shine for Karwa Chauth and Diwali without the price of real gold.
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Pashmina-blend stole
Soft, warm and elegant. Goes over both ethnic and western outfits.
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Silver coin in a gift box
A small Lakshmi-Ganesh silver coin. Traditional, auspicious and easy to gift.
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For a baby's first Lohri
A baby's first winter is the time for warm wear, and a silver coin is a traditional keepsake. Don't forget the new mother, who will be busy hosting with a baby on her hip.
Hand-knit baby woollen set
A soft cap, mittens and booties set for a baby's first winter.
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Silver coin in a gift box
A small Lakshmi-Ganesh silver coin. Traditional, auspicious and easy to gift.
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New mom care hamper
Nursing-friendly snacks, a body butter, an eye mask and a journal for those first months.
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Printed memory photo book
A year of photos in a hardbound book. Takes effort to make, which is exactly the point.
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Sweets for the fire and the guests
Gajak, rewari, til laddoo and peanuts are what Lohri tastes like. A good box to share is welcome in any family hosting a first Lohri, and is easy to send from another city.
Gajak and rewari gift box
Til and jaggery sweets from Punjab and Meerut, the treats passed around the Lohri fire.
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Dry fruit gift hamper
Almonds, cashews and dates in a festive tray. The safest Diwali gift there is.
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Premium mithai box
Kaju katli, pista barfi and more from a well-known halwai. Festive and shareable.
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If you are hosting
- Plan the guest list early. First Lohris often grow into fifty or more people.
- Keep a basket of revdi and popcorn by the fire so every guest can join the offering.
- Set up a photo corner with the bride or baby and the bonfire behind. These photos get framed.
- Order by 6 January. The week before Lohri is busy, and outfits may need alterations.
Sending wishes to the family too? Our festival wishes are free to share.
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