Makar Sankranti 2024: Enjoy Traditional Delights with Loved Ones

Makar Sankranti, an auspicious festival marking the sun's transition into Capricorn, heralds new beginnings, warmer days, and celebrations of fresh harvests. This significant occasion, dedicated to the sun God, is observed not only in India but also in various parts of South Asia. Although traditionally falling on January 14, this year's observance has been delayed by a day, taking place on January 15. The term "Sankranti" implies 'to cross over' or transition, and it is believed that those who pass away on this day attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death.

During the festivities of Makar Sankranti, farmers revel in the abundance of crops and express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The day is considered propitious for new beginnings and is often marked by diverse cultural and religious activities.

Celebrations typically involve flying kites, taking ritual baths in holy rivers, and preparing traditional sweets made with sesame seeds and jaggery.

Susmita N, a Clinical Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Bellandur, Bangalore, generously shares delightful and traditional Makar Sankranti recipes:

1. Sweet Pongal

   • Ingredients: Moong dal, rice, milk, jaggery, cashews, raisins, cardamom powder.
   • Method: Roast moong dal, cook a mix of rice and dal, add milk, mix with jaggery syrup, incorporate cashews, raisins, cardamom, and serve the delectable dish.

2. Kajjaya/Adhirasa

   • Ingredients: Sona masuri rice, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, jaggery, cardamom powder, crushed pepper.
   • Method: Soak rice, dry it, blend to a fine powder, sieve, roast sesame seeds and poppy seeds, melt jaggery, mix with rice flour, add seeds, cardamom, pepper, rest, shape into balls, and deep fry.

3. Corn Roti

   • Ingredients: Corn flour, ajwain, salt.
   • Method: Mix corn flour, ajwain, salt, add hot water, knead into a soft dough, roll into rotis, cook with ghee, and serve with a hot curry of choice.

4. Puran Poli

   • Dough Ingredients: Maida, rava, hot oil, salt.
   • Stuffing Ingredients: Roasted peanuts, powdered jaggery, ghee.
   • Method: Mix rava, maida, and salt with hot water to form a soft dough, rest, blend peanuts and jaggery, make balls, roll dough, enclose balls, cook with ghee, and relish this flavorful dish.

These traditional recipes, shared by Susmita N, add joy and cultural significance to Makar Sankranti, making it a time of festivity, delicious food, and cherished traditions