Interestingly, the festival is known by different names in different regions, such as Poush Sankranti in Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Magh Bihu in Assam and Makar Sankranti in North India.This harvest festival usually falls on the 14th and 15th of January, the festival also marks the transition of Sun and this is the reason Sun Lord is worshiped on this day. Here are some popular dishes that are prepared in different parts of the country to celebrate Makar Sankranti, read on to find out…
Til ke Ladoo
Til ke Ladoo this sweet treat is a delicious mix of roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts and aromatic spices like cardamom. Sesame seeds are considered auspicious and are believed to provide warmth to the body during the winter season.
Til Chikki
Til Chikki is yet another popular sweet made during Makar Sankranti. This crunchy delight is made with sesame seeds and jaggery.
Pongal
Pongal is a popular South Indian dish made during the winter festival. There are several variations of this hearty delight. However, traditionally sweet Pongal is made by cooking rice in milk along with jaggery, nuts and lentils in an earthen pot, which is later relished with friends and family.
Undhiyu
Undhiyu is a popular mixed vegetable curry made during Uttarayan. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan and is followed by observing rituals, performing cultural folk songs, dance and kite flying competitions.
Makara Chaula
In Odisha, Makara Chaula is prepared in almost every household to celebrate Makar Sankranti. This sweetened rice dish is mixed with various fruits and is offered as a prasad to the Sun God as a part of the festive celebrations.
Urad Dal Khichdi
Urad Dal Khichdi is yet another common delight prepared in different parts of India to celebrate Makar Sankranti. It is believed that making this rice dish brings happiness and prosperity to the family.
Patishapta
In West Bengal, Patishapta is a popular sweet dish made during Poush Sankranti. These thin rice pancakes are stuffed with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and khoya, rolled and cooked on low flame and are later enjoyed with friends and family.
Til Pitha
In Assam, Til Pitha is a traditional dish made during Magh Bihu. This Pitha is made with rice flour and is filled with a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut.