The coldest month of the desi calendar, Poh (ਪੋਹ,پوہ) , falls in December and January (mid-December to mid-January). It is the tenth month of the desi calendar, also called Poush in India. During this month, winter is at its peak. The arid and cold weather can have adverse effects on living beings. The land is often covered with frost in the morning and evening.
The temperature drops down to zero degrees, and there is often heavy snowfall at hill stations. People need to take preventive measures to protect themselves from the cold. Warm clothes, jackets, gloves, socks, and heaters become an essential part of life. Winter lovers often visit hill stations to enjoy the snowfall.
The dry climate during this month is good for the growth of Rabi crops like mustard and wheat, but it can be particularly harsh for some plants. The wheat crop is about to ripen. Therefore, it needs to be protected from frost and cold. So, it is the most challenging month for farmers. Some popular desi foods associated with this month, including makai ki roti, sarson ka saag and piniyan.
Poh (ਪੋਹ,پوہ) Calendar 2025
Key Events of ਪੋਹ (پوہ)
- Makar Sankranti
- ਪੋਹ Purnima
- ਪੋਹ Sudi 7
Important Hindu festivals of this month include Makar Sankranti, a cultural festival celebrated with bonfires and kite flying, and Poh Purnima, a religious festival. The Sikh community marks events like Poh Sudi 7 (Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji ) and the martyrdom of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji during this month.
Want to learn more about Gurpurabs of next month, check out the Gurpurab Dates of Magh.
Significant Dates of ਪੋਹ (پوہ)
| Event | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Sangrand | 15 December 2025 | Monday |
| Puranmashi | 13 January 2025 | Monday |
| Masya | 19 December 2025 | Friday |
| Panchmi | 4 January, 25 December 2025 | Saturday, Thursday |
| Dashmi | 9 January, 30 December 2025 | Thursday, Tuesday |
Gurpurab Dates of ਪੋਹ (پوہ)
| Gurpurab | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Gobind Singh Ji Birthday | 6 January 2025 | Monday |
| Shaheedi Jor Mela – Chamkaur Sahib | 20-22 December 2025 | Saturday-Monday |
| Shaheedi Diwas Vade Sahibzade ate Chamkaur Sahib De Hor Shaheed | 22 December 2025 | Monday |
| Shaheedi Bhai Sangat Singh Ji | 23 December 2025 | Tuesday |
| Shaheedi Jor Mela – Fatehgarh Sahib | 25-27 December 2025 | Thursday-Saturday |
| Shaheedi Diwas Chote Sahibzade and Mata Gujri ji | 27 December 2025 | Saturday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Ji Birthday | 27 December 2025 | Saturday |
Interesting Facts about ਪੋਹ (پوہ)
1. Historical Significance:
- It is the tenth month of the desi calendar.
- It is the coldest time of the year in Punjab, and brings winter’s peak chill.
2. A Time for Warmth and Family Bonding:
- Families gather around bonfires in villages to stay warm and share stories.
- Traditional foods like sarson da saag (mustard greens) and makki di roti (cornbread) are enjoyed during this time.
3. Preparations for Lohri:
- This month leads up to Lohri, a popular Punjabi festival celebrated in January.
- People begin collecting firewood, preparing sweets like revari and gajak, and planning celebrations.
4. Spiritual and Religious Connections:
- It holds spiritual significance in Sikhism.
- Special prayers and recitations of Gurbani are held to seek blessings and overcome challenges during the harsh winter.
5. Seasonal Foods and Delicacies:
- Foods rich in warmth and nutrition like pinniyan (sweet laddoos made of ghee and flour), dry fruits, and jaggery are commonly consumed.
- Hot drinks like lassi, chai, and kada are enjoyed to combat the cold.
6. Symbol of Endurance:
- This month symbolizes endurance and survival during challenging times.
- The harsh weather reminds people of the importance of resilience and staying united.
7. Local Traditions and Folk Songs:
- Traditional Punjabi folk songs are sung to celebrate Lohri and welcome longer, warmer days ahead.
- Stories of heroism, love, and devotion are passed down through oral traditions.
8. Shorter Days and Longer Nights:
- It brings shorter days and longer nights, with people often rising later due to the winter cold.
- Activities start slowing down in rural areas as farmers wait for warmer weather to resume their work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ਪੋਹ (پوہ) is a month of extreme winter, bringing both challenges and beauty to the landscape. With its cold temperatures and frosty mornings, this month requires extra care for crops and personal comfort. Celebrated with various festivals, ਪੋਹ (پوہ) is a time for reflection and gathering, reminding us of the warmth of community even in the coldest times.