Makar Sankranti Bhog: A Culinary Journey from Kashi to Jagannath Temple

• Makar Sankranti, known as Pongal in South India, is celebrated with unique traditions and special offerings across various temples.
• At Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, 84 types of dishes, called Makar Chaurasi Bhog, including rice, jaggery, and sweets, are offered to Lord Jagannath.
• Sabarimala Temple offers Aravana Payasam (rice, ghee, jaggery) and Appam (rice flour, jaggery) to Lord Ayyappa.
• Gorakhnath Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple offer khichdi (rice, urad dal, or seasonal vegetables) along with sesame and jaggery sweets.
• Somnath and Dwarkadhish Temples in Gujarat present Chappan Bhog (56 dishes), Undhiyu, Jalebi, and various sesame and jaggery sweets.

Why It Matters: Makar Sankranti features diverse and elaborate bhog traditions across India's temples, from North to South.