10 Lohri, Makar Sankranti & Pongal Special Must-Try Dishes

Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal mark the joyous harvest festivals celebrated across India. These festivals bring warmth, light, and an abundance of delectable dishes that symbolize the bounties of nature. In this article, we delve into the culinary delights associated with these festivals, exploring traditional favourites and innovative fusion recipes that add a modern twist to the celebrations.

 

India is a land of festivals, and with the arrival of winter, the celebrations of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal mark the harvest season. These festivals are not only known for their cultural significance but also for the delectable dishes that accompany them. Here's a list of 10 Lohri special dishes, Makar Sankranti traditional food, and Pongal festival recipes you must try this season.

1. Sarson ka Saag and Makki di Roti

A quintessential part of Lohri special dishes, this Punjabi classic is a hearty combination of mustard greens (sarson) cooked with spices and served with cornmeal flatbread (makki di roti). The dish is often accompanied by dollops of butter and jaggery, making it a delicious way to celebrate Lohri.

2. Tilgul Ladoo

Makar Sankranti traditional food is incomplete without tilgul ladoo, which are made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur). These sweet treats are exchanged among friends and family with the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola” in Maharashtra, meaning "take these sweets and speak sweetly."

3. Chikki

Chikki, a crunchy and sweet confection made from jaggery and peanuts, is a popular item among Lohri special dishes and Makar Sankranti traditional food. Its delightful crunch and sweetness make it a festive favorite across North and West India.

4. Pongal

One of the most celebrated Pongal festival recipes is the dish of the same name—Pongal. This rice dish is made with rice, lentils, and ghee, and is flavored with black pepper and cumin. Both sweet and savory versions of Pongal are prepared, and it holds great significance during the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu.

5. Revdi

A popular winter snack, Revdi is another key element of Lohri special dishes. These small, crispy, sesame-seed candy bites are made with sugar or jaggery and are enjoyed throughout the festivities.

6. Puran Poli

This sweet flatbread is a cherished Makar Sankranti traditional food in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Made with wheat flour and stuffed with a sweet mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas) and jaggery, Puran Poli is a perfect dessert to indulge in during the festival.

7. Sakkarai Pongal

Among the many Pongal festival recipes, Sakkarai Pongal stands out as a sweet rice dish made with jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits. It is offered to the Sun God during the festival and is a must-try for anyone celebrating Pongal.

8. Pinni

Pinni is a rich, nutty dessert made with whole wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits. This energy-packed dessert is a popular choice among Lohri special dishes, enjoyed by people of all ages during the festival.

9. Ellu-Bella

In Karnataka, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with the distribution of Makar Sankranti traditional food called Ellu-Bella. This mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and roasted peanuts is exchanged with friends and family, symbolizing unity and goodwill.

10. Sweet Pongal
Sweet Pongal, a significant part of Pongal festival recipes, is made with rice, jaggery, moong dal, and ghee, and flavored with cardamom. Garnished with cashews and raisins, this dish is a delightful sweet treat that represents prosperity and gratitude during the Pongal festival.

Conclusion

As you celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal, make sure to indulge in these Lohri special dishes, Makar Sankranti traditional food, and Pongal festival recipes that carry the flavors of tradition and festivity. Whether you're relishing the sweet taste of tilgul ladoos or savoring the warmth of Sarson ka Saag, these dishes are bound to make your celebrations even more special.