India's Winter Sweet Symphony: From Gajak to Ellu Bella, A Sesame Seed Journey

• Sesame seeds (til) and jaggery are key ingredients in Indian winter sweets, providing warmth, energy, and aiding digestion.
• Popular during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal, these sweets symbolize community and prosperity.
• Regional variations include Til Laddoo (Maharashtra, Gujarat), Gajak (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh), Revdi (Punjab, Haryana), Tilkut (Bihar), Ellu Bella (Karnataka), Til Chikki (Rajasthan), and Tilor Laru (Assam).
• Each sweet carries unique cultural significance, often exchanged with sayings promoting kindness and harmony.
• These traditional treats highlight India's diverse culinary heritage and the importance of seasonal ingredients.

Why It Matters: India's winter is celebrated with diverse sesame and jaggery sweets, each with cultural significance.