Phulkari embroidery isn’t traditionally connected to Lohri. You can find people making and wearing phulkari chunnis all over Punjab all year round. However, in my home it’s become a part of our Lohri traditions.
Around Lohri time I like to use my phulkaris as decor pieces. (A couple years ago we did a whole post series on using a phulkari as the base for your Lohri tablescape). I also like to use the designs as the base for drawing and painting projects, and of course, I wear them with my desi outfits too!
If you are looking for fun ways to start conversations about phulkari art, and even Lohri with your kids, one of the easiest ways to do that is arts and crafts! I find that when my family is sitting around doing an activity like painting, playdoh, or even a puzzle, I can hold the kids’ attention and talk about all sorts of things. This was especially effective when they were preschool age!
To help you get the conversation started we’ve created some Phulkari Love Colouring Sheets. You can print these off to do as a Lohri activity with the kids or with a group of girlfriends, or maybe your spouse! There are a couple of different patterns and difficulty levels so everyone from toddlers to teenagers can get involved.
Download – Phulkari Colouring Pages
PHULKARI LOVE COLOURING PAGES FOR KIDS!
ADULT PHULKARI COLOURING PAGES
And while you are working on your colouring project, don’t forget to spark a conversation with the kiddos about Lohri and the art of phulkari. Here are some quick notes to get you started:
Lohri: Lohri is a popular Punjabi holiday celebrated every year in January. When we celebrate Lohri, we are celebrating the beginning of the harvest season for farmers. Lohri also means that the days are going to get longer and warmer and that winter is slowly coming to an end.
Phulkari: Phulkari is a type of embroidery pattern popular in Punjabi culture. When translated to English, Phulkari means ‘flower work’ and is often bright and multi-coloured. In the olden days, Phulkari was made at home by the women of the family.
If you want to continue the conversation consider looking up phulkari designs on google images and drawing your own. Maybe call the grandparents and ask them to share any stories or memories they have about phulkari making back home. Or if you are super crafty, try your hand at a little embroidery! Just keeping the conversation going.