From the warmth of Lohri bonfires in Punjab to the sweet indulgence of Pongal in Tamil Nadu and the kite-filled skies of Gujarat’s Uttarayan, experience the diverse flavours and traditions that make this festive Makar Sankranti unforgettable.
Let’s talk about India’s favourite time of the year—Festive Makar Sankranti 2025 – the harvest season! Why we celebrate Makar Sankranti? We celebrate nature’s bounty with family, friends, and most importantly, food. From the crackling bonfires of Lohri in Punjab to the sweet, comforting Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and the kite-filled skies of Makar Sankranti in Gujarat and Maharashtra, every corner of the country is buzzing with festive joy. So, how to celebrate Makar Sankranti? Each region has its signature way of saying thank you to the land that feeds us, and the best part? The food!
Image courtesy: Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
We take you on a culinary road trip across India, tasting everything from sesame-laden sweets to spicy stews, each with a story as rich as its flavours. Let’s map out this delicious Makar Sankranti celebration of the harvest season and the significance of Makar Sankranti.
Punjab – Makar Sankranti Lohri and the Land of Bonfire Feasts
In Punjab, Lohri is all about dancing to the beats of dhol around roaring bonfires. And the food? Oh, it’s a treat for your taste buds! From the buttery makki di roti and sarson da saag to gajak and rewari, every bite is steeped in warmth and tradition. The bonfire snacks, including roasted peanuts and popcorn, bring families together for a cosy, festive vibe.
Tamil Nadu – Pongal: A Sweet Tribute to the Harvest
Heading down south, Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with a dish so iconic, that it shares its name with the festival. Sakkarai Pongal, made with freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and ghee, is cooked in earthen pots and offered to the Sun God. Savoury Ven Pongal adds a balance of flavours to this celebration. Served on banana leaves, these dishes are more than just food—they’re an offering of gratitude and mark the importance of Makar Sankranti.
Gujarat – Makar Sankranti kite flying and Undhiyu’s Magic
In Gujarat, Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) isn’t just about kite flying—it’s about Undhiyu! This slow-cooked, upside-down dish is a winter special, brimming with vegetables, fenugreek dumplings, and spices that warm your soul. And let’s not forget the sesame and jaggery sweets like til ladoo and chikki, which are exchanged with heartfelt wishes.
Assam – Magh Bihu and the Rustic Pithas mark Makar Sankranti significance
Magh Bihu in Assam in north east India is a rustic, earthy celebration of the harvest. The star of the table is pitha, a rice cake filled with jaggery or sesame, paired with doi (curd) and gur (jaggery). The festivities include community feasts, where people gather to cook and share meals, symbolizing togetherness and abundance.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar – Khichdi for the Soul
In northern India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Makar Sankranti brings the comforting aroma of khichdi, a simple yet soulful dish of rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. Often served with ghee and pickles, it’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest.
Maharashtra – Tilgul and Sweet Words
In Maharashtra, the mantra is “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (Take sweets and speak kindly). The festival is marked by tilgul ladoos and other sesame-based delicacies, which symbolize warmth and unity during the chilly season. The skies filled with kites and rangoli for Makar Sankranti add a dash of colour and joy to the celebrations.
Meaning of makar Sankranti – A Culinary Celebration of Unity
From the north to the south, east to west, India’s harvest festivals are a tribute to the land and its blessings. The shared love for food unites us all, even as each region adds its unique touch. So, whether you’re savouring pithas in Assam, flying kites in Gujarat, or dancing around bonfires in Punjab, one thing is certain—India knows how to celebrate with flavour and flair!
Traditional dishes that are famous in Makar Sankranti
So, what is Makar Sankranti – food or festival? Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India, is a festival of harvest and renewal, marked by unique culinary traditions in every region. Each dish prepared during this festival carries a story of cultural heritage and gratitude, reflecting the vibrant diversity of Indian cuisine. Let’s explore some traditional dishes that make it truly special and bring Makar Sankranti meaning.
Tilgul Ladoo
In Maharashtra, Tilgul Ladoo, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizes the sharing of warmth and sweetness. These ladoos are exchanged with the saying, “Tilgul ghya ani god god bola” (take these sweets and speak kindly), representing goodwill and positivity.
Pongal
In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is the highlight of the Pongal festival, which coincides with Makar Sankranti. This traditional dish, prepared using freshly harvested rice, moong dal, and jaggery, is offered to the Sun God as a gesture of gratitude. Variants like sweet Sakkarai Pongal and savoury Ven Pongal add to the festive delight.
Khichdi
In northern India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Khichdi is the quintessential Sankranti dish. Made with rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables, this simple yet nourishing preparation holds a spiritual significance and is often offered as prasad in temples.
Pitha
In Assam, Pitha is an integral part of Magh Bihu celebrations, the Assamese version of Makar Sankranti. These rice cakes, filled with coconut or sesame, are either steamed or fried, showcasing the region’s love for rustic, earthy flavours.
Undhiyu
In Gujarat, the Uttarayan festival is incomplete without Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable dish cooked in an underground pot. This slow-cooked delicacy features winter vegetables like yam, beans, and fenugreek dumplings, perfectly seasoned with a blend of Gujarati spices.
Hotels across India celebrate the culinary traditions of Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal
India’s hospitality industry celebrates these culinary traditions of Makar Sankranti demonstrating how food unites people and regions. As families come together to celebrate, these dishes create lasting memories, blending the joy of harvest with the flavours of festivity.
Makar Sankranti and Pongal Recipes by Tushar Kumar Das, Executive Sous Chef, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
Veg Pongal
Ingredients For Rice and Dal
- 1 cup raw rice (short-grain)
- 1/2 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- Salt to taste
For the Tempering:
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (crushed)
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 1 green chilli, slit (optional)
- 1 sprig of curry leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Method:
- Wash and Soak: Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly under running water. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
- Cook Rice and Dal: Drain the soaked rice and dal., combine the rice, dal, water, ghee, and salt. until the rice and dal are cooked through.
- Make the Tempering: Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add crushed peppercorns, ginger, green chilli, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add asafoetida and stir briefly.
- Combine: Pour the tempering over the cooked rice and dal. Gently mix everything.
- Serve: Serve hot with sambar, chutney
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Serving Portions: 2
Till Ladoo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds (roasted)
- 1 cup grated jaggery
- 2-3 tablespoons ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, raisins)
Instructions:
- Roast sesame seeds until golden brown.
- Melt jaggery in a pan, and stir constantly.
- Combine roasted sesame seeds, melted jaggery, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
- Add ghee if needed to bind.
- Shape into small balls.
- Add nuts.
- Cool and store in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Serving Portions: 2
Experience the flavours of Lohri at Loya, Taj West End Bengaluru
Celebrate the warmth and tradition of Lohri at Loya, Taj West End Bengaluru, where the vibrant essence of Northern culture unfolds through a feast steeped in heritage to mark the festival Makar Sankranti.
Start your culinary journey with the comforting Tamatar Lal Mirch da Shorba, a tomato broth spiced with red chilli, just the kind of warmth you need on a pleasant evening. Follow it with the melt-in-your-mouth Lahori Paneer Makhmali and Sarsoo ke Phool, where the smoky, mustard-infused broccoli brings the essence of traditional cooking to life. For non-vegetarians, the Amritsari Murg Tikka and Kuti Mirch ka Fish Tikka, cooked in a clay oven, promise flavours that stay true to the roots of famed tandoori cooking techniques.
The main course takes you further into the heart of traditional fare with Chooza Khas Masala, a rich, comforting spring chicken curry, and Saag-de-Kofte, where spicy, aromatic koftas (dumplings) made from leafy greens are cooked in a creamy, flavourful gravy. Pair these with freshly made Missi Roti and Tawa Chicken Biryani, both seasoned to perfection.
No feast is complete without a sweet note to end on. Relish the Phirni, served in traditional mud bowls, or indulge in Gulab Jamun with Rabri, topped with pistachios and almonds—just the perfect touch to celebrate the harvest season.
Rediscover Tradition this Makar Sankranti at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
This Makar Sankranti comes home to tradition at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, where guests are invited to rediscover the timeless heritage of this beloved festival through an authentic, heartwarming feast. Begin your culinary experience with a refreshing sip of traditional Thandai or the sweet and nutty Tilgul Sherbet, setting the tone for a day steeped in joy and nostalgia.
The starters, Alu Chi Wadi and Kothimbir Wadi, are a tribute to the essence of Maharashtra’s cuisine—each bite offering a crisp, flavourful reminder of homegrown traditions. Then, let the feast truly begin with an exquisite spread that celebrates the culinary heritage of Sankranti: Bhogichi Bhaji, Sabudana Khichadi, Masala Bhaat, Katachi Amti, Pivala Batata, Dal Tadka, Palak Paneer, and fragrant Veg Pulao.
At the live counter, witness the art of Puran Poli and Tilgul Poli being prepared fresh before your eyes. No Sankranti celebration is complete without the rich sweetness of dessert. Delight in the selection of creamy Shrikhand, decadent Gajar Halwa, crunchy Til Wadi, and festive Gujiya.
Savour the essence of Punjab this Harvest Season at Klinx, Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
Lohri, the Punjabi harvest festival, marks the end of winter and heralds a season of abundance, prosperity, and togetherness. Inspired by this festive spirit, Klinx at Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks proudly presents Harvest Week, a culinary journey that encapsulates the essence of this cherished tradition.
Begin your culinary voyage into the tapestry of the Breadbasket of India with scrumptious Jackfruit Cutlets and Vazhakkai Bhaji, finely spiced green banana fritters that melt in your mouth. The Sweet Potato Salad paired with the crunchy and creamy Kuchi Murukku Dip offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavours to start your evening. Follow it up with crunchy Bhindi Kurkure or Bareli Vangi, a smoky eggplant dish that transports you to the culinary heritage of the land of five rivers.
For the main course, experience the festive fervour with Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, a classic embodiment of Punjabi culture, or savour the wholesomeness of the rich Methi Chaman, providing perfect comfort for winter nights. Elevate your meal with the aromatic Moradabadi Murgh Biryani, an interplay of tender meat and fragrant spices. A good meal ends on a sweet note! Conclude your meal with Murmura Laddu, Revdi, and the nutty Gur Patti, each evoking nostalgia.
The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, Organises a Celebration of Grains for Makar Sankranti
Join Ritz-Carlton Bangalore this harvest season for a journey into the heartland of India through a menu that pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, guests are invited to savour a thoughtfully curated menu that celebrates the essence of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Baisakhi—festivals that honour the spirit of abundance and gratitude as the sun embarks on its northward journey.
You can begin your culinary experience with the Multani Paneer Tikka and the vibrant Dal Pakwan Chaat, a street-food-inspired delight and move on to the quintessential Sarson ka Saag, paired perfectly with hand-rolled Makkai ki Roti, farm-fresh white butter, and sweet jaggery. For those seeking rustic flavours, try the Kacche Kele Masala, and the sweet yet savoury Shakarkand aur Aloo ki Subzi, highlighting seasonal sweet potatoes in an aromatic spice blend.
You can also discover a hearty combination of pearl millet and fresh corn with the Bajra Makkai ki Pulao and the flaky, multilayered Warqi Naan, an exquisite bread inspired by the royal kitchens of Lucknow.
From the clay oven, the robust flavours of the signature Bhatti da Murgh, succulent Chicken thighs marinated in freshly ground spices, and the seasonal favourite Saag Maas, a tender lamb preparation in a rich spinach gravy is a tasty offer. For a tangy twist, savour the Kacche Aam Chicken Masala, where raw mango lends a delightful zest to the dish.
Of course, no celebration is complete without indulgent desserts and there is a choice of Coconut Jaggery Gujiya, adorned with hazelnut crumble, along with artisanal Til ki Chikki and handcrafted Gajak, made with the finest sesame seeds and jaggery, offering an unparalleled festive sweetness.
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