Delicious sweet dishes to try out for Pongal & Makar Sankranti 2024
Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun’s entry into the zodiac sign of Makar. This celebration heralds the arrival of sunny days and the end of the winter season, with lengthy, foggy evenings. January 14 or January 15 are the dates of Makar Sankranti.
Because India is a nation with a diverse culture, Makar Sankranti is observed differently in every state. Pongal is another name for this harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. Makar Sankranti festival is the soul of northern India, & Pongal celebration is the essence of southern India,
The Solar Equinox (Uttrayana Punyakala) is another significant astrological event during the Pongal / Makar Sankranti festival. This event is billed as the “Uttarayana,” or “northward journey” of the sun because the sun is moving toward the north during it. The days get longer and the temperature starts to rise at this time. Hindus believe that Uttrayana Punyakala is an extremely favorable period to hold ceremonies and other religious rites. During this exciting time, people are urged to begin new endeavors and establish new enterprises. The celebration is also observed to express gratitude to Surya, the sun god. Makar Sankranti and Pongal will be falling on 15th January 2024.
Whether Makar Sankranti or Pongal, both are equally important Hindu festivals that welcome the harvesting season (i.e. spring). Festivals are associated with celebrations, and Indian celebrations are incomplete without sweets. Every festive season in India has special sweet items (Like Diwali & Kaju Katli, Holi & Gujiya, Raksha Bandhan & Ghewar). In this blog, we will be sharing five Pongal sweets with you that will add tastefulness to your winter season.
1. Til Laddu – Sesame laddoos, commonly known as “Til Ke Laddoos” are traditional Indian sweet balls made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and cardamom powder. These nutty-flavored treats are rich in calcium and iron. Given the diversity and wealth of India, it is not surprising that the Makar Sankranti celebration is observed in a variety of ways. There are more reasons than only spiritual ones to celebrate this occasion. One of the festival’s most distinctive aspects is the extensive usage of sesame seeds in most locations. However, what role do sesame seeds play? According to Hindu mythology, til, or sesame seeds, descended to Earth from Lord Vishnu’s perspiration. It is therefore believed that using it will purify sins. Furthermore, because it is said that God Yama blessed sesame seeds, they are treasured as a sign of longevity, for this reason, treats made from sesame seeds are considered essential during Makar Sankranti. Inscriptions suggest six ways to employ til (sesame seeds) on this day, such as giving them away or donating them to a good cause. Try out freshly delicious Til Laddu from Sri Annapurna
2. Til Gajak- “Til gud kha, god god bola” is a well-known Marathi proverb that translates to “eat sesame seeds and jaggery and speak well.” Those who enjoy Gajak will find this to be true. For a long time, Gajak has been an essential component of Indian festival cuisine. Makar Sankranti & Pongal celebrations are especially delightful when paired with these crispy and delectable treats. During the bitterly cold and hard winter in North India, Gajak radiates warmth and nostalgia. Try out freshly delicious Til Gajak from the best sweet shop in Varanasi (Sri Annapurna)
3. Kesar Peda- Kesar Pedas are among the most exotic Pedas. Consumption of Saffron during winter is considered good for health as it boosts immunity & strength. These semi-soft, thick sweet balls, are traditionally prepared with khoa, sugar, cardamom seeds, and other traditional flavorings. Try out freshly delicious Kesar Peda in your Varanasi.
Sakkarai Pongal- The Tamil name for sugar is “Sakkarai,” but oddly, jaggery is typically used to make Sakkarai Pongal instead of sugar. The secret to this recipe is the melting of the jaggery, which is combined with a mixture of rice and green grams. Traditionally, jaggery, fresh ghee, and freshly harvested rice are used to make Sakkarai Pongal. Spices like cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg are used to flavor it. In Hindu temples, this is customarily offered to Lord Vishnu as a “Naivedhyam,” or offering, and thereafter given to the devotees as “prasadham.” The thick and caramelized jaggery syrup gives the cooked rice a gorgeous toffee-like flavor and color. It is cooked until it achieves a glossy crimson hue. See the reciepe https://rakskitchen.net/sakkarai-pongal-recipe-sweet-pongal-recipe/
Celebrate this Harvesting Season with Sri Annapurna’s special sweet recipes. Sri Annapurna is a renowned sweet shop in Varanasi. For the last 20 years, Sri Annapurna has been providing deliciously tempting delicacies made with 100% quality ingredients & and fresh materials. We invite you to try out our Makar Sankranti celebration special sweets & and desserts. We happily accept bulk orders, online (within Varanasi) & and offline (store).
For more information feel free to contact us!!
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Click to know the Importance of sweets in India:
- https://www.sriannapurna.in/blog/importance-of-indian-sweets-to-celebrate-our-occasion/
- https://www.sriannapurna.in/blog/exploring-the-sweet-delights-of-varanasi-a-guide-to-the-best-sweets-in-the-city/
- https://www.sriannapurna.in/blog/top-10-delicious-indian-sweets-you-must-try/
- https://www.sriannapurna.in/blog/tasting-holi-in-banaras-with-savor-sweets/