Makar Sankranti 2017: Eat traditional delicacies to make festival more special

Observed in different ways that vary with location, it is never complete without a feast including delicacies made with sesame and jaggery, halwa, pitha, and more.

As per Hindu mythology, sesame seeds (til) help purify the soul and boost spiritual awakening. Ayurveda also mentions the health benefits of til in winter - which includes warming the body.

No wonder sesame seeds are used in almost every Makar Sankranti recipe.

Team SaleBhai shares a list of the following treats that will make your celebration more special this year.

• Fini: Known to have originated in Bikaner, this Rajasthani dessert adds its own sweetness to Makar Sankranti. Made of flour and pure ghee, this winter-special treat comes in multiple flavours. This spaghetti-like speciality carries the true flavour of the desert state and is a must during this January festival also known as `Sankrat` here. Apart from enjoying special feats, it is customary for all married Rajasthani women to gift household items to each other.

• Chikki: In Marathi culture, til-based sweets are exchanged on this occasion to forget past differences and restore friendship. When it comes to adding sweetness to a relationship, what better way to do so than share a chikki together? If taking a holy dip in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, and Godavari is a spiritual must during Makar Sankranti, authentic chikki from Lonavala is a gastronomical must this time of the year. A traditional Indian candy bursting with health and flavour, this perfect confection of sesame seeds and jaggery is loved by all. Chikki comes in various flavours such as peanut, coconut, dry fruits, and more.

• Til laddu: In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated for two days with kite flying, family gatherings, and feasts that must include til laddu. A healthy substitute for chocolates, til laddu is a famous treat made of sesame seeds and jaggery. This popular laddu is a rich source of minerals and helps to lower high blood pressure.

• Dry fruit gajak: This delicious, traditional sweet made of dry fruits, jaggery, and sesame seeds is a speciality of Indore. A perfect way to keep your body warm in winter, this crispy, crunchy treat is a must-have during Makar Sankranti.

• Til patti: This popular Rajasthani winter dessert, made of sesame seeds and ghee, is a thin, translucent treat loved by all ages. Til patti is a rich source of iron and is given to expecting mothers to boost their haemoglobin level.

• Tirunelveli halwa: Also known as Pongal, Makar Sankranti is a four-day-long festival in Tamil Nadu. It is customary to throw away old clothes and wear new ones on the first day of this festival. The grand feast on the final day involves many regional delicacies but the absolute must-have is the Tirunelveli halwa. Made of fresh cow ghee and cashew nuts, this speciality of Tirunelveli is a treat to die for. The unmatched flavour of this unique dessert, made with water from the river Thamirabharani, is irresistible to say the least.

• Gud chana: Wondering what is the best way to spend the Makar Sankranti evening? How about munching on some freshly delivered gud chana with your entire family? This sweet snack, made of Bengal gram and jaggery, is perfect for expecting mothers and health-conscious individuals, thanks to the high iron and negative calorie content.

• Til pitha: Every Assamese person knows the joy of waking up on brisk January mornings to the smell of delicious til pitha being prepared for the coming Magh Bihu. This famous eastern delicacy is a thin, oil-free pancake with sesame seeds and jaggery filling. A healthy delicacy, til pitha is a must-have during this important festival.

• Date: Honestly you don`t need an occasion for enjoying some high-quality dates. This healthy dry fruit comes with loads of health benefits and makes for the perfect way to break your fast. You can choose from a wide variety including imported dates, crushed dates, dates with almonds, dates with hazelnuts and chocolate, and mabroom dates.

• Jaggery: Jaggery is a healthy sweetener that is indigenous to India. This natural item is an absolute must-have during Makar Sankranti. You can use jiggery as a dip for your steaming rotis, or use it as an ingredient for your homemade sweets and pitha.