The spirit of Punjab came alive in Mumbai as Gurudwara 4 Bungalows, Andheri, hosted its 24th consecutive public Lohri celebration, widely recognised as the city’s largest open Lohri gathering. The event brought together more than 2,000 people from different communities, turning the Gurudwara premises into a vibrant space of devotion, culture, and shared joy.
What began in 2002 as a small community effort has today become a cultural landmark in Mumbai. The initiative was started by Late S. Sardar Singh Suri Ji, the then President of Gurudwara 4 Bungalows, with a simple but powerful vision. He wanted to create a “home away from home” for Punjabis living in Mumbai, where traditions could be preserved and passed on to the next generation despite the fast pace of city life.
That vision continues under the leadership of his son, S. Jaspal Singh Suri Ji, the current President of the Gurudwara Sahib. Over the years, the scale of the celebration has grown significantly, yet its spiritual core and cultural authenticity remain intact. Today, the Lohri at 4 Bungalows is not limited to one community but welcomes people from all backgrounds, reflecting Sikh values of equality, inclusiveness, and seva.
The evening featured a traditional Lohri bonfire, symbolising gratitude for the harvest and the end of winter. Fireworks lit up the sky, representing hope and prosperity, while energetic bhangra performances kept the festive mood alive. Popular performer Juggy Sandhu attended the celebration, adding to the excitement and cultural vibrancy of the event.
True to tradition, prasad was distributed to everyone without distinction. Devotees and visitors enjoyed classic Lohri treats such as rewari and gajak, along with a community meal that included bread pakoda, jalebi, pulao, and doodh. The arrangements were smoothly coordinated by Maninder Singh Suri, son of S. Jaspal Singh Suri Ji, who actively oversaw the event management.
Speaking on the occasion, S. Jaspal Singh Suri Ji highlighted the deeper meaning of the festival. He said Lohri is a celebration of gratitude, unity, and new beginnings, marking the transition from winter to the harvest season. He also shared that seeing thousands of people come together each year affirms his father’s original dream of keeping Punjabi culture alive in Mumbai.
As the celebration marked its 24-year milestone, the Lohri at Gurudwara 4 Bungalows once again demonstrated how traditions thrive when nurtured by community spirit. Far from Punjab, yet rooted in its values, the event continues to unite Mumbai through culture, faith, and shared celebration.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
