Lohri is an important Fair in Himachal Pradesh. It is usually celebrated at the culmination of winter, when the winter bites are no more, and people rejoice the season amidst extensive pomp and gaiety.

The Lohri Festival is generally held to ensure fertility and prosperity. Bonfire is an integral part of the Lohri Fair that has been named after the Lohri Festival. It is a month of celebration for the people of Himachal Pradesh when new costumes are bought and amidst extensive salsa and melody the celebration ensues.
Maghi is the other name of this Festival and that is why the Fair is also named as Lohri or Maghi Fair. Since Lohri is usually celebrated during the month of Magh (January), it is also known as Maghi Festival. The Lohri or Maghi Fair is a jovial relief from the monotonous daily existence and is thus a welcome relief by the people of Himachal Pradesh.

The Lohri or Maghi Fair actually venerates the last sowing of the Ravi crop, a Winter Crop of North India, especially Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. During the Lohri or Maghi Fair a bonfire is lit and men and women dance to the tune of music around it.
The day begins with children collecting money from houses in the neighbourhood. Colorfully dressed men and women visit the Fair, where articles of everyday use, pottery items and foods are available in plenty. Stalls are also given for splendid cards, pictures, and attires. In the evening, winter savouries are served around a bonfire. People throw popcorn, puffed rice and sweets into this flame as a way of offering sacrifice to God, so that he in turn blesses them with a rich harvest.

It is also said that during this time Lord Krishna manifests himself almost perceptibly. So, he can easily hear his disciple's urge for him. Since this time is so propitious, Lohri Fair is held with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm. The Maghi Fair is thus an unforgettable experience.
The Lohri or the Maghi Fair is generally held at the time of Magh, or January. It actually coincides with the Lohri Festival which occurs during Uttarayan of the Sun, or it's Northward Sojourn.

Lohri is celebrated throughout the country in different forms, as a harvest festival. It is called Pongal in the South, Bhugali Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh and Sankranti in the central part of the country. Modes of celebrating Lohri are also different, but the message conveyed by the festival, that of setting aside differences and rejoicing by celebrating the end of the harvest season and the chilly winter is the same.

Call it Lohri, Maghi, Pongal or Sankranti, the festival conveys the same message -- the bond of brotherhood and the spirit of oneness should prevail despite all odds.