Makar Sankranti, the vibrant festival marking the transition of the Sun into Capricorn, is a time for indulging in a variety of traditional foods. From the sweet and delightful Til Ladoo to the flavorful Undhiyu, each region in India adds its unique touch to the festive cuisine. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore ten traditional foods from across India that you must try at least once during Makar Sankranti. From the sesame and jaggery-infused Til Ladoo to the delectable Puran Poli from Maharashtra, these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In Gujarat, savor the flavors of Undhiyu, a mix of vegetables cooked with aromatic spices, while in Odisha, relish the Makara Chaula, a no-cook treat made with fresh rice and an array of ingredients. Punjab offers the rich and ghee-laden Pinni, while Maharashtra delights with the mixed vegetable dish Bhogi Chi Bhaji. Don't miss out on the crunchy and auspicious Gajak made with jaggery and peanuts. For a South Indian twist, indulge in the flavorful Ven Pongal, a one-pot meal made with rice and moong dal. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with the Atharasa, a special dish made with rice and jaggery, celebrated under different names across India. Embrace the festive spirit and celebrate Makar Sankranti with these traditional culinary delights.

Til Ladoo: A Sweet Delight

Discover the delightful Til Ladoo, a traditional sweet treat made with sesame seeds and jaggery, that is a must-have during Makar Sankranti celebrations.

Til Ladoo, also known as sesame laddu, is a popular sweet treat that holds a special place in Makar Sankranti celebrations. Made with a combination of roasted sesame seeds and jaggery, these bite-sized delights are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

The process of making Til Ladoo involves roasting the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown and then grinding them into a coarse powder. The powdered sesame seeds are then mixed with melted jaggery and shaped into small round balls.

These sweet treats are often shared and enjoyed with loved ones, symbolizing the spirit of togetherness and unity during the festive season. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds combined with the sweetness of jaggery makes Til Ladoo a delightful indulgence.

Puran Poli: A Maharashtrian Delicacy

Indulge in the delectable Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread filled with a delicious moong-based filling, which is a staple during Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra.

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that is synonymous with Makar Sankranti celebrations in the state. It is a sweet flatbread made with a filling of cooked and mashed split yellow moong dal, jaggery, and aromatic spices.

The dough for Puran Poli is made with whole wheat flour and is rolled out into thin discs. The filling is then placed in the center of the disc and sealed by bringing the edges together. The stuffed dough is then rolled out and cooked on a griddle with ghee until golden brown.

Puran Poli is often enjoyed with a generous drizzle of ghee and is best served warm. The combination of the soft and sweet filling with the flaky bread makes it a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Undhiyu: A Gujarati Delight

Experience the flavors of Undhiyu, a traditional Gujarati dish made with a mix of vegetables and aromatic spices, which is a must-try during Makar Sankranti.

Undhiyu is a popular dish from Gujarat that takes center stage during Makar Sankranti festivities. The name 'Undhiyu' comes from the Gujarati word 'undhu,' which means upside down, as it is traditionally cooked in earthen pots placed upside down over a fire.

This flavorful dish is a medley of seasonal vegetables like brinjals, potatoes, green peas, raw bananas, and beans, cooked with a blend of freshly ground spices. The addition of dumplings made from fenugreek leaves adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Undhiyu is a labor of love, as it requires slow cooking to bring out the rich flavors of the vegetables and spices. It is often served with hot puris or rotis, making it a hearty and satisfying meal during the festive season.

Makara Chaula: A Rice-based Delight from Odisha

Discover the traditional Odia treat, Makara Chaula, made with fresh rice and an array of ingredients, which is a significant part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Odisha.

Makara Chaula is a traditional Odia dish that holds immense significance during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Odisha. It is a no-cook dish made with freshly washed, dried, and powdered raw rice.

The powdered rice is mixed with ingredients like milk, sugarcane, jaggery, banana, freshly grated coconut, cottage cheese (chenna), pepper, ginger, and an assortment of fruits like apple and pomegranate. This mixture is then offered to the Gods before being shared and enjoyed with family and friends.

Makara Chaula is a symbol of abundance and prosperity, with each ingredient representing different aspects of life. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish creates a unique and delightful experience for the taste buds.

Pinni: A Ghee-laden Winter Treat

Indulge in the rich and ghee-laden Pinni, a traditional Punjabi winter treat made with wheat flour, jaggery, and almonds, which is a popular choice during Makar Sankranti.

Pinni is a delectable winter treat that hails from Punjab and is enjoyed during Makar Sankranti festivities. It is made with a combination of wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and a generous amount of almonds.

The process of making Pinni involves roasting the wheat flour in ghee until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. The roasted flour is then mixed with jaggery and almonds, forming a dough-like mixture. Small portions of the mixture are shaped into round balls and served as a sweet indulgence.

Pinni is believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter months and is often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or milk. The richness of ghee and the crunch of almonds make Pinni a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Bhogi Chi Bhaji: A Flavorful Mixed Vegetable Dish

Explore the flavors of Bhogi Chi Bhaji, a tasty mixed vegetable dish prepared in Maharashtra as part of the Bhogi festival celebrations before Makar Sankranti.

Bhogi Chi Bhaji is a delicious mixed vegetable dish that is prepared in Maharashtra as part of the Bhogi festival celebrations, which precede Makar Sankranti. It is a flavorful combination of various seasonal vegetables like beans, carrots, brinjals, and fresh green chana.

This dish offers a mix of flavors, with a subtle balance of sour and sweet tastes. It is made even more delightful with the addition of peanuts and ground sesame seeds, which add a nutty and aromatic touch to the dish.

Bhogi Chi Bhaji holds its own significance in the Bhogi festival, which honors the God Indra. The dish brings together the freshness of seasonal vegetables and the richness of spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to impress.