Makar Sankranti: A Culinary Journey Across India's Diverse Harvest Festival Foods

• Makar Sankranti, celebrated mid-January, marks the sun's transition into Capricorn and the end of winter solstice, observed on the same date nationwide.
• North India enjoys til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) delights like til laddoo and tilkut, symbolizing warmth and prosperity.
• Maharashtra celebrates with tilgul and puran poli, emphasizing harmony and friendship with the phrase "Tilgul ghya, god god bola."
• Gujarat's Uttarayan features Undhiyu, a slow-cooked vegetable medley, and chikkis, enjoyed during kite flying.
• South India's Pongal offers savory Ven Pongal and sweet Sakkarai Pongal, while Assam's Bhogali Bihu includes pitha and laru, showcasing regional agrarian traditions.

Why It Matters: Makar Sankranti's diverse culinary traditions across India celebrate harvest, warmth, and community spirit.