Makar Sankranti holds a special value in Maharashtra and is one of the many energetic festivals celebrated around India. One of the chief harvest festivals around India, with the sun becoming Makara Rashi or Karkataka Vrisha after crossing Sagittarius, so marking the sunrise of longer days. Ritualistic and cultural are two other qualities of this particular festival, aside from the food itself. Traditional culinary dishes form one of the mediums through which to celebrate Makar Sankranti in this state. The foods prepared during the festival hold symbolism of prosperity, togetherness, and gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Let’s dive into the world of Sankranti food items in Maharashtra and explore their cultural and culinary significance.
Makar Sankranti Special Food Items in Maharashtra
During Makar Sankranti, households in Maharashtra prepare a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the essence of the festival. Here is a list of 10 iconic food items:
1. Tilgul Ladoo
Tilgul ladoos are a quintessential part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra. These sesame and jaggery sweets symbolize warmth, togetherness, and sweet communication. The phrase “Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola” (Take these sesame sweets and speak sweetly) is widely exchanged, spreading goodwill among people. Sesame seeds provide warmth during the cold season, while jaggery is a source of instant energy.
2. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a filling of jaggery and chana dal. This dish is a festive favourite, served with ghee to enhance its flavour. Its preparation requires patience and skill, making it a labor of love during Sankranti.
3. Gulachi Poli
Unlike Puran Poli, Gulachi Poli is a flat bread stuffed with jaggery and sesame seeds. The nutty flavour of the sesame and the sweetness of the jaggery are all harmoniously mixed for a beautiful treat. It is usually made in bulk and served for several days.
4. Khichdi
Khichdi is a comforting one-pot dish made with rice, moong dal, and seasonal vegetables. It is seasoned with mild spices and served with a dollop of ghee and pickles. Khichdi symbolizes simplicity and is considered a healthy, wholesome meal during the festival.
5. Tilachi Chikki
Tilachi chikki is brittle and crunchy; it is a combination of sesame seeds and jaggery, giving it an extraordinary texture as well as a taste that would attract all. Chikkis have a shelf life that stretches into months; thus, the festive season brings convenience in taking a snack, like chikkis.
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6. Bajra Bhakri with Jaggery
Bajra Bhakri has been made from pearl millet flour. It is usually served with a side of jaggery and white butter. This combination gives warmth and nutrition, making it an indispensable part of the cold Sankranti seasons.
7. Shengdana Chikki
Shengdana Chikki is a roasted peanut and jaggery-based crunchy sweet snack that is easy to make, rich in protein and loved by all as much as children and adults.
8. Kharvas
Kharvas is a milk pudding prepared from colostrum milk, flavoured with cardamom and saffron. It is a very light, creamy dessert that completes the festive meal in Maharashtra.
9. Tilachi Wadi
Tilachi Wadi are fudge-like squares made with sesame seeds and jaggery. These are softer than Chikki and have a melt-in-the-mouth texture, making them an irresistible festive treat.
10. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi, made from sago pearls, roasted peanuts, and mild spices, is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or a light meal. It is not only enjoyed during fasting days but also as part of Sankranti celebrations.
Sankranti Special Food Items in Maharashtra Veg
Maharashtra’s Sankranti celebrations come with lots of vegetarian delicacies that feature seasonal ingredients and cooking methods. Here are 10 must-have vegetarian dishes for the festival:
1. Tilgul Ladoo
Tilgul Ladoo stands as an authentic traditional dessert made from jaggery with roasted sesame seeds that represent the connection among relatives during winter seasons. The tiny circular ladoos combine enjoyable taste with important nutritional benefits that defend the body against winter coldness. Tilgul Ladoo becomes a vital tradition of Makar Sankranti since it contains important nutrients including iron as well as calcium and healthful fats which frequently get exchanged between family members and friends through the message “Tilgul ghya, god god bola.”.
2. Puran Poli
The traditional flatbread Puran Poli presents a golden appearance through its softness as it contains Bengal gram chana dal filling which incorporates jaggery cardamom along with nutmeg along with spices.
The popular Maharashtrian traditional dish gets its rich flavor by using ample ghee when cooking it on a griddle. People enjoy eating this sweet treat with either ghee drizzled on top or hot milk as its side dish which provides a comforting experience to celebrate the Sankranti festival.
3. Khichdi
Khichdi comprises nutritive food prepared from rice combined with lentils while including seasonal vegetables such as carrots peas and beans to make it more nourishing. The combination of turmeric cumin and ginger spices creates a delicate ensemble that finishes the dish while heating the body because the ingredients are easy to digest.
Inside the Sankranti festivity, traditional housewives create basic but sustaining meals to warm the body and supply daily energy.
4. Bajra Bhakri
Bajra Bhakri presents itself as a dense traditional flatbread that derives its ingredients from pearl millet flour which Indian kitchen pantries stock for winter season use. The carbohydrate-rich bread works perfectly as a combination with jaggery and curd or butter for a healthful and comforting eating experience. Telanganites strongly believe that Bajra Bhakri brings both healthy minerals and delicious taste to their Sankranti food celebrations.
5. Gulachi Poli
Gulachi Poli represents an appetizing stuffed flatbread that resembles Puran Poli yet contains coconut together with jaggery as its special filling. The combination of jaggery with coconut in this dish results in an aromatic meal that fills both appetite and spirit. Soon after cooking with ghee on the tawa Gulachi Poli turns out soft and flavorful while providing a sweet festive experience to those who avoid spiciness.
6. Sabudana Khichdi
People enjoy eating Sabudana Khichdi during fasting periods because it includes sabudana, roasted peanuts, green chilies, and a lemon squeeze to enhance taste. The combination of curry leaves cumin and coriander results in a light-filling dish. As a gluten-free dish that contains high carbohydrate content Sabudana Khichdi provides substantial energy to energize celebrators or snackers during the Sankranti festivities.
7. Shengdana Chikki
The preparation of Shengdana Chikki involves roasting peanuts together with jaggery until they become brittle and form either rectangular or square-shaped bars. Shengdana Chikki stands as a classic winter delight that combines delectable taste with important nutritional substances including proteins and fats together with iron content. Those who prefer the combination of caramelized and nutty flavors should try Shengdana Chikki since it is a common Sankranti food in Telangana state.
8. Tilachi Wadi
The fudge texture of Tilachi Wadi results from its sesame seeds and jaggery ingredients which combine to make this Chikki variant softer than traditional versions. The delectable squares contain both cardamom and a ghee touch along with calcium and iron benefits that help people maintain their health during winter months.
Traditional food lovers will adore Tilachi Wadi because it brings festive diversity to Sankranti while providing nourishment as well as delightful indulgence.
9. Vegetable Pulao
Vegetable Pulao is an aromatic rice dish cooked with a medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and cauliflower, infused with whole spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. This lightly spiced, flavorful dish is an integral part of the Sankranti feast in Telangana, often paired with raita or kadhi for a balanced and satisfying meal. Its fragrant and comforting flavors make it a festive favorite.
10. Kadhi
Kadhi is a creamy and tangy yogurt-based curry thickened with chickpea flour (besan) and flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Served hot with steamed rice or khichdi, this dish is both soothing and delicious. The probiotic-rich yogurt aids digestion, making Kadhi a comforting dish that is both flavorful and healthy, perfectly complementing the festive menu of Sankranti food items in Telangana.
Sankranti Special Food Items in Maharashtra for Lunch
The lunch during Sankranti in Maharashtra is a feast with a variety of dishes. Here are 10 food items usually enjoyed for a festive lunch:
1. Puran Poli
The traditional flatbread Puran Poli presents a golden appearance through its softness as it contains Bengal gram chana dal filling which incorporates jaggery cardamom along with nutmeg along with spices.
The popular Maharashtrian traditional dish gets its rich flavor by using ample ghee when cooking it on a griddle. People enjoy eating this sweet treat with either ghee drizzled on top or hot milk as its side dish which provides a comforting experience to celebrate the Sankranti festival.
2. Khichdi
Khichdi comprises nutritive food prepared from rice combined with lentils while including seasonal vegetables such as carrots peas and beans to make it more nourishing. The combination of turmeric cumin and ginger spices creates a delicate ensemble that finishes the dish while heating the body because the ingredients are easy to digest.
Inside the Sankranti festivity, traditional housewives create basic but sustaining meals to warm the body and supply daily energy.
3. Bajra Bhakri with Jaggery
Bajra Bhakri presents itself as a dense traditional flatbread that derives its ingredients from pearl millet flour which Indian kitchen pantries stock for winter season use. The carbohydrate-rich bread works perfectly as a combination with jaggery and curd or butter for a healthful and comforting eating experience. Telanganites strongly believe that Bajra Bhakri brings both healthy minerals and delicious taste to their Sankranti food celebrations.
4. Tilgul Ladoo
These delicious and nutrient-rich sesame and jaggery laddus are a signature treat of Makar Sankranti celebrations. They are often used to sweeten up the meal and are traditionally exchanged among friends and family as a symbol of goodwill and harmony. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty festive meal or as a quick energy-boosting snack during the day, Tilgul Ladoo is a must-have during the festival. Rich in iron, calcium, and healthy fats, they help keep the body warm during winter while satisfying your sweet cravings.
5. Gulachi Poli
Gulachi Poli is a delectable jaggery-stuffed flatbread that perfectly balances sweetness with the savory dishes of the festive feast. Made with whole wheat flour, grated jaggery, and hints of cardamom, this soft and aromatic bread is cooked on a griddle with ghee, enhancing its flavor and texture. Best enjoyed with a dollop of homemade butter or fresh cream, it adds a delightful sweetness to Sankranti food items in Telangana, making the meal even more special.
6. Vegetable Pulao
This aromatic and colorful rice dish is a fragrant blend of basmati rice, freshly chopped seasonal vegetables, and mild spices. Often cooked with whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon, vegetable pulao brings a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the festive platter. Garnished with fried onions, nuts, and fresh coriander, it pairs beautifully with raita, kadhi, or a side of pickle for a complete meal experience. The balance of flavors and nutrition makes it a wholesome addition to Sankranti celebrations.
7. Kadhi
Kadhi is a tangy and flavorful yogurt-based curry thickened with chickpea flour (besan) and tempered with mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. The creamy and mildly spiced dish is often served with steamed rice or bajra bhakri, making it a comforting and wholesome meal during Sankranti. Kadhi is not just delicious but also aids digestion, thanks to its probiotic-rich yogurt content. Some variations also include pakoras (fritters), adding an extra layer of texture and taste to this beloved festive dish.
8. Aamti
Aamti is a comforting and flavorful Maharashtrian dal preparation made using toor dal (pigeon pea lentils), tamarind, jaggery, and an aromatic blend of spices. This dish brings a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a staple during celebratory lunches. Traditionally served with steamed rice or jowar bhakri, Aamti enhances the meal with its rich and robust taste. The addition of kokum or tamarind gives it a distinct tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the overall festive spread.
9. Thecha
Thecha is a fiery and rustic Maharashtrian chutney made by pounding fresh green chilies, garlic, and roasted peanuts into a coarse paste. This spicy accompaniment is not just a flavor enhancer but also a test of one’s spice tolerance! Thecha adds a bold and punchy kick to the festive meal and is best enjoyed with bhakri or plain rice with ghee. Its simplicity, combined with its intense heat, makes it a beloved side dish among spice lovers.
10. Papad and Pickles
No authentic Maharashtrian thali is ever considered complete without the crispy crunch of roasted or fried papad and the tangy burst of homemade pickles. Papad, made from lentil or rice flour, adds a satisfying crispiness to the meal, while the pickles—prepared from raw mangoes, lemon, or mixed vegetables—provide a zesty contrast to the rich and hearty dishes. These accompaniments elevate the dining experience, offering bursts of texture and flavor that make every bite more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra is a celebration of gratitude, unity, and the excellence of culinary delights. Traditional food items prepared here during the festivals expose the richness of the state’s heritage and stress the importance of seasonal ingredients. From sweet delicacies like tilgul ladoos and puran poli to hearty meals like khichdi and bajra bhakri, every dish gives a story about love and togetherness. The festival is not just about food but strengthening bonds with family and friends sharing these delightful dishes. By looking into these foods, you would really be getting a feel for the festive atmosphere of Sankranti in Maharashtra.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Makar Sankranti so important in Maharashtra?
Ans:- Makar Sankranti is harvest time and is celebrated to thank the almighty for his bounty and usher in prosperity.
Q2. Which sweets are prepared in Sankranti in Maharashtra?
Ans:- Tilgul laddu, gulachi poli, and shengdana chikki are some of the most popular sweet dishes.
Q3. Are Sankranti dishes in Maharashtra vegetarian?
Ans:- Yes, of course, most of the Sankranti dishes in Maharashtra are vegetarian.
Q4. Can it be prepared for a vegan customer?
Ans:- If ghee is in vegan butter or oil and is free from using dairy products make the product a vegan item.
Q5: Where can one get Sankranti sweets in Maharashtra?
Ans:- Sankranti sweets may be bought locally from sweet shops, grocery shops, and now even online shops.
Q6. How long do Sankranti dishes last?
Ans:- Tilgul laddu and shengdana chikki are some sweets that can be kept for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
Q7. What is a traditional Sankranti lunch in Maharashtra?
Ans:- A traditional lunch comprises puran poli, khichdi, bajra bhakri, kadhi, and all festival sweets: tilgul laddu, gulachi poli, among others.