India Habitat Centre (IHC) celebrated the festival of Lohri with an evening of folk music, festive flavours and community bonding at the Margosa Lawn on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Organised under IHC’s ongoing Utsav Series, the celebration brought together members, guests and cultural enthusiasts to mark the harvest festival that symbolises renewal, gratitude and togetherness.
The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional Lohri bonfire by Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre, setting the tone for an evening rooted in cultural heritage and shared celebration.
The cultural segment featured an evocative performance of Punjabi folk and Sufi music by Sunaini Sharma, a third-generation musician, poetess and researcher known for carrying forward the musical legacy of her mother Dolly Guleria and legendary folk singer Surinder Kaur. Her performance reflected the depth of traditional Punjabi gayaki and was well received by the audience. Singer-songwriter Rabbi Shergill, who introduced the artiste, later joined in to perform select folk numbers on popular demand, adding to the warmth of the evening.
Complementing the cultural experience was a specially curated Lohri dinner menu, offering a wide range of traditional Punjabi delicacies. Guests enjoyed signature dishes such as Makki Ki Roti with Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Amritsari Machhli, Murgh Tikka Peshawari, Paneer Amritsari Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Biryani, Tawa Keema with Roomali Roti, and festive desserts including Jalebi with Rabri and Kadhai Doodh.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh said,
“Lohri represents warmth, gratitude and community spirit. At India Habitat Centre, we have been celebrating this festival annually since 1999. Over the years, it has become an occasion that brings people together through music, food and shared cultural values.”
As part of the ongoing Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations, ANN, the Indian restaurant at Habitat World, India Habitat Centre, is offering a special Punjabi Thali until January 18, 2026, exclusively for IHC members and their accompanying guests.
The annual Lohri celebration at India Habitat Centre continues to hold a prominent place in Delhi’s cultural calendar, reflecting the institution’s commitment to preserving traditions while fostering community engagement through art, music and cuisine.
