
Food is the heart of Sankranti as it symbolizes tradition, gratitude, and community. As a harvest festival, Sankranti celebrates the transition of seasons and the arrival of fresh crops.
These foods are not only seasonal but also packed with warmth and nutrition, essential during colder months. Ingredients like sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) carry symbolic meaning, representing unity and sweetness in relationships.
Sankranti is a festival that showcases the abundance of nature, and food takes centre stage. Here are some quintessential dishes that define the celebration:
- Undhiyu A classic Gujarati delicacy, this one-pot winter dish combines seasonal vegetables like purple yam, brinjal, sweet potatoes, and surti papdi, cooked with aromatic spices. It’s often paired with puris and jalebi for a complete festive meal.
- Sesame and Jaggery Sweets Tilgul ladoos, chikkis, and gajak are staples during Sankranti. Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, they symbolize warmth and unity, providing energy for the winter season.
- Puran Poli A Maharashtrian favorite, this stuffed flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils is served with a drizzle of ghee, making it a festive delight.
- Pongal In Tamil Nadu, Sakkarai Pongal—a sweet rice dish cooked with jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits—is a highlight of the celebrations. Its aroma and flavor evoke the festive spirit.
- Lai Pattis and Chura Dahi In Bihar, puffed rice sweets like lai pattis and the simple yet satisfying dish of flattened rice with curd (chura dahi) are integral to the Sankranti menu.
- Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag A staple in Punjab, this iconic combination of cornflour bread and mustard greens embodies the richness of the harvest season.
- Matla Umbhariyu
These dishes not only reflect regional flavours but also bring people together, making Sankranti a festival of unity, gratitude, and cherished culinary experiences. Food is central to the Sankranti festival, symbolizing tradition, community, and gratitude.
Symbolism
- Celebration of Harvest Sankranti marks the arrival of fresh crops like sesame, sugarcane, and winter vegetables, which feature prominently in the festival’s dishes. These foods honor the farmers’ hard work and nature’s abundance.
- Seasonal Nutrition Ingredients such as sesame, jaggery, and winter vegetables are rich in nutrients, providing warmth, energy, and immunity during the colder months.
- Symbolism of Unity Sankranti dishes like tilgul ladoos or chikki symbolize sweetness and unity, encouraging harmony in relationships. Sharing food reinforces bonds within families and communities.
- Preservation of Tradition Recipes like Matla Umbhariyu and Undhiyu connect us to our roots, ensuring that cultural heritage is passed down through generations.
- Joy of Togetherness The act of preparing and sharing festive meals—be it rolling ladoos or slow-cooking in clay pots—fosters a sense of togetherness, making food a medium of celebration and joy.
- Ritual Bathing: Many people take a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- Offerings to the Sun God: Prayers and offerings are made to Surya, the Hindu Sun God.
- Kite Flying: A popular activity in many regions, especially Gujarat.
- Feasts: Special delicacies are prepared and shared with family and friends.
- Often associated with harvest festivals as it signifies the end of winter and the beginning of warmer days.
- Traditional Sweets: Sweets made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) are a staple during the festival. These ingredients are believed to keep the body warm and provide energy during the winter months. The exchange of tilgul laddoos signifies the importance of maintaining sweetness in relationships.
- Health Benefits: The ingredients used in these traditional foods, such as sesame seeds and jaggery, are known for their health benefits, especially in providing warmth and energy during the winter season.
- Exchange of Sweets: The act of exchanging sweets and snacks during Makar Sankranti is a gesture of goodwill and a way to foster harmony and goodwill among people.
Read the full story that first appeared in Deccan Chronicle dated Jan 13, 2025 here:
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