A Taste of the Harvest
The Flavors of Makar Sankranti
Food lies at the core of Makar Sankranti, a festival honoring the winter harvest. Kitchens fill with the scents of fresh grains, warming spices, and sweet jaggery. Every dish reflects the season, the land, and the cherished tradition of sharing abundance with family and friends.
The Sweetness of Sesame & Jaggery
Sankranti's key culinary tradition centers on sesame (til) and jaggery (gur), a duo that's both tasty and tied to winter health and symbolism.
तिळगुळ (Tilgul)
These ingredients are shaped into laddoos (sweet spheres) or chikki (crunchy brittle) and shared with loved ones. This tradition comes with the Marathi phrase, 'Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola,' meaning, 'Take this sweet and speak kind words,' promoting forgiveness and fresh beginnings.
A Culinary Tour of India
From hearty one-pot dishes to decadent desserts, each region brings its own flair to the Sankranti spread.
Ven Pongal & Sakkarai Pongal
In Tamil Nadu, the festival takes its name from a traditional dish. The two key varieties are Sakkarai Pongal, a sweet mix of fresh rice, milk, jaggery, cardamom, and cashews; and Ven Pongal, a savory dish of rice and moong dal, spiced with black pepper, cumin, and ghee.
The Comforting Khichdi
In regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is closely associated with Khichdi. This simple dish, made of rice and lentils with seasonal vegetables and topped with ghee, symbolizes harvest unity and is revered as a sacred, sattvic meal for the auspicious occasion.
Puran Poli
A popular treat from Maharashtra, Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread. It features a soft flour-based exterior filled with a delightful mixture of cooked chana dal, jaggery, and hints of cardamom and nutmeg. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed warm with ghee.
Makara Chaula
This special uncooked blend is Odisha's traditional prasad, crafted from fresh rice powder, milk, jaggery, ripe banana, coconut, chenna, and spices. It’s a delightful and nutritious tribute to the winter harvest.
The Science of Festive Eating
Sankranti's traditional foods showcase ancient wisdom, offering the body ideal nourishment for winter.
Benefits of Sesame (Til)
Sesame seeds are packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. In Ayurveda, they are seen as a 'warming' food, aiding the body in staying warm and cozy during chilly winter days.
Benefits of Jaggery (Gur)
Jaggery, an unrefined sugar, is rich in iron and vital minerals. It boosts energy, supports digestion, purifies the blood, and its warming nature makes it ideal for winter.
Modern Twists on Tradition
Though traditional recipes remain beloved, many embrace modern twists for Sankranti festivities.
Tilgul Energy Bars
Mixing oats, nuts, and seeds with til and jaggery makes nutritious, easy-to-grab energy bars.
Savory Pongal Waffles
Ven Pongal batter can be waffle-cooked for a crispy, contemporary twist on the classic breakfast.
Puran Poli Ice Cream
Puran Poli’s spiced sweetness blends perfectly into vanilla ice cream for a rich, unique treat.