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In just a few days, the country will come together to celebrate one of the grandest festivals, Makar Sankranti. Astrologically, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn known as ‘Makar’ in Sanskrit. This signals the arrival of longer days filled with sunshine, which is crucial for flourishing crops.
As India is an agrarian country, this harvest festival holds immense importance in the lives of people. The festival represents the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. This year, Makar Sankranti will fall on January 15. It will start at 7:15 AM and end at 5:46 PM. Makar Sankranti is also known as Maghi, Poush Sankranti, or Sankranthi. In Punjab, it is known as Lohri whereas in Assam it is Magh Bihu. Tamil Nadu observes it as Pongal, and Karnataka dubs it Ugaadi.
The tradition of Makar Sankranti varies in different regions of the country and has unique rituals and customs. Early morning rituals include taking a dip in the River Ganga and offering prayers to the Sun God. Homes are cleaned to welcome prosperity. Moreover, kite flying is a common practice during this festival. Besides, people enjoy a gala arrangement of food platters just like any other festival. This article will concentrate on Punjabi dishes.
Take a look at them:
- Gajak Or Chikki
Makar Sankranti is incomplete without indulging in chikki. This is a winter special sweet made of gur (jaggery) and crunchy peanuts. It is a sweet delight that warms both the body as well as the heart. It is made by melting gur and combining it with peanuts.
- Til Laddoo
This is a variation of the classic laddoo and is made with til (sesame seeds). These are bite-sized balls made with warming sesame seeds and jaggery. This dish holds a special place in Makar Sankranti celebration.
- Rewri
This sweet delight is exclusively consumed during Makar Sankranti. These are bite-sized sweet treats that are made with sesame seeds and jaggery. They are crunchy and have a distinct flavour and are accompanied by popcorn and peanuts. Besides, tantelising the taste buds, it provides warmth to the body.
- Pinni
It is a winter indulgence crafted from ghee, wheat flour, jaggery, and almonds. This delicacy is prepared during Lohri and Sankranti. They are also known to be atta laddoo as it is made into small balls round, and dense balls that burst with flavours. Sankranti is incomplete with pinni.
- Sarson Ka Saag And Makke Ki Roti
This is the go-to meal of Punjab during Makar Sankranti or Lohri celebration. It embodies mustard greens along with bethua leaves, ghee, and other spices. It is paired with makke (corn) ki roti. A dollop of ghee or butter is spread over the roti to retain its softness. The whole meal is complete when gur is added to its side.
