Sweet Sesame Delights
Til ladoo and chikki are quintessential Makar Sankranti treats. Til ladoo, made with sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizes prosperity and good luck. The
crunchier chikki, often made with peanuts or other nuts in a jaggery base, is another favorite, representing the sweetness of the season. These sweets are shared among family and friends, spreading the festive spirit.
Savory Khichdi Varieties
Khichdi holds a special place in the Makar Sankranti feast, with each region putting its unique spin on it. Moong Dal Khichdi, a simple yet nourishing dish made with lentils and rice, is commonly prepared. In some regions, a special version with seasonal vegetables and spices adds a layer of flavor, representing the bounty of the harvest season. Khichdi's simplicity makes it both comforting and significant during this time.
Gujarati Undhiyu Magic
Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable casserole, is a Gujarati specialty enjoyed during Makar Sankranti. The vegetables, including winter favorites like potatoes, eggplant, and beans, are slow-cooked with aromatic spices. The unique cooking process, often involving an earthen pot (undhi), infuses the vegetables with a distinct flavor. Undhiyu is often served with poori and shrikhand, adding to the festive meal.
Bengali Pithe Pleasures
In Bengal, Makar Sankranti is synonymous with pithe, sweet rice cakes. Different types of pithe are prepared, ranging from steamed patishapta, filled with coconut and jaggery, to deep-fried malpua. These delightful treats represent a way to celebrate the harvest, made and shared among the community during the festival. The process of preparing pithe is often a family affair, creating lasting memories.
Punjabi Sarson da Saag
Sarson da saag with makki di roti, a classic Punjabi combination, is relished during this period. The mustard greens are cooked slowly with spices, offering a robust and earthy flavor. Served with a dollop of butter and accompanied by the thick, unleavened cornmeal flatbread, this dish is a hearty and satisfying choice during the cold season.
Uttar Pradesh's Dahi Chura
In Uttar Pradesh, dahi chura is a simple yet popular dish during Makar Sankranti. Flattened rice (chura) is mixed with yogurt (dahi), and often sweetened with jaggery or sugar. This light and refreshing meal is a welcome contrast to the richer, heavier dishes of the festival, providing a refreshing break. It's an easy-to-make, everyday meal that takes on special meaning during the festive period.
Maharashtra's Puran Poli
Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, is a staple in Maharashtra during Makar Sankranti. It is made with a sweet lentil filling flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. The flatbread is cooked on a griddle and served with ghee or milk, adding richness. Puran Poli symbolizes the sweetness of the harvest and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
South Indian Pongal
Pongal, both a sweet and savory dish, is a major part of the harvest celebration in South India, including Makar Sankranti. Sweet Pongal, made with rice, jaggery, and ghee, is offered to the deities as a thanksgiving gesture. Savory Pongal, with lentils, rice, and spices, is another favorite, eaten as a main course. Pongal signifies prosperity and the abundance of the harvest season.
Assamese Pitha Varieties
Assam celebrates Magh Bihu (the Assamese name for Makar Sankranti) with an array of pithas. Tekeli pitha and til pitha are popular, alongside other rice-based cakes, that are an essential part of the celebratory meal. These treats are often made with rice flour and stuffed with various fillings. These rice cakes offer a wide variety of flavors and textures, with the making of the pithas being a communal activity.
Kite-Flying Snacks
No Makar Sankranti celebration is complete without some light snacks to enjoy while flying kites. In many regions, you'll find chevda, a savory snack mix of flattened rice, nuts, and spices. Another popular choice is gajak, a brittle made from sesame seeds and jaggery. These snacks provide energy during the kite-flying sessions and add a festive spirit to the day.
