The tradition of Ellu Bella – a combination of sesame, jaggery, gram dhal, peanuts and dried coconut is an integral part of the festival in Karnataka.

The harvest festival of Sankranti is here and it is time to celebrate the tradition of the same with its most important aspect of Ellu Bella. This is a mix of seasonal ingredients that are not just part of the tradition but also has a meaning that goes beyond just that.

While this is a simple recipe, the Kannadigas (people of Karnataka) associate this with celebration and believe that one must eat this and speak good things. This is also distributed among friends and neighbours. While traditionally people cut these and made the same, today, the cut versions are available in stores.

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