1 / 8Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a mark of gratitude towards nature for a prosperous harvest and ushers in the start of a new agricultural cycle. Based on the sun’s movement, the Hindu festival marks the end of winter. It is celebrated across the country with multiple rituals, flying kites, and attending fairs. It is celebrated nationwide with rituals, kite flying, lively fairs and delicious traditional food. (Image Shutterstock)
2 / 8Each state has different sets of cuisines to mark the festival. Here is a list of some of the most common dishes that can be prepared on Makar Sankranti this year: (Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 8Puran Poli |This is an enticing dish made with the perfect blend of flavours. The experience of savouring a sweet tender wheat flour paratha (flatbread) stuffed with moong dal (lentil), jaggery and spices mixture as filling, is simply a satisfying treat during the winter. (Image: Shutterstock)
4 / 8Til Laddoo | Made with sesame seeds mixed with a dollop of jaggery, Til Laddoo is the signature dish of Makar Sankranti. These are healthy yet delicious treats that can provide warmth to the body and even to the taste buds. The laddoos create a perfect balance of taste and texture, and at times, even include peanuts and desiccated coconut in their recipe. (Image Wikicommons )
5 / 8Khichdi | This is a staple Makar Sankranti dish in many parts of India. Depending on the ingredients available during the season, Khichdi can become the ultimate item for lunch or dinner. Even during the festival of Makar Sankranti, you can prepare khichdi using moong/urad dal and rice, and add a dollop of ghee on top of it to offer warmth and nourishment during the winter season. (Image Wikimedia Commons)
6 / 8Payesh/kheer | This rich and creamy payesh (or kheer) recipe includes jaggery in some regions of India, along with rice and milk, topped with a variety of dried fruits. However, in Bengal, a special variety of jaggery known as Nolen Gur is used during Makar Sankranti to prepare payesh, adding a distinct, irresistible flavour that makes it a beloved winter treat. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 8Gajak | Who doesn’t like the peanut chikkis? Gajak, aka peanut chikki is very easily made using just two ingredients – jaggery and peanuts. This is immensely loved for its crispy-crunchy nature and can be treated as a snack. (Image: Shutterstock)
8 / 8In addition to the dishes mentioned above, you can also explore a variety of other delectable treats like urad dal kachori, undhiya, sabudana khichdi, halwa, coconut barfi, besan ke laddu, patishapta, and many more. Each of these dishes brings its own unique flavours and textures, adding to the festive delight of any occasion. (Image: Shutterstock)
