Why khichdi is a Makar Sankranti must-have: Tradition meets nutrition

Kite flying, prayers, and sesame sweets are festival staples, but khichdi holds a special place in many North Indian households.

In Short

• Khichdi is central to Makar Sankranti celebrations
• It's a simple, nourishing dish made with fresh harvest grains
• Traditional accompaniments like ghee and pickles enhance its value

Indian culture thrives on its diverse traditions, many of which centre around food. One such cherished tradition is the preparation and consumption of khichdi during Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival that marks the Sun's transition into Makar Rashi or Capricorn.

The festival, celebrated with much fervour throughout the country by different names, unites traditions as varied as flying kites, offering prayers, and sweets made from sesame seeds. Through all these, khichdi remains the most central dish, especially in North Indian homes.

WHY KHICHDI IS SPECIAL

The symbol of simplicity and wholesomeness
Khichdi, that simple rice-lentil-spice stew, finally epitomises what is simple yet nourishing. From ancient days, when it was especially prized for being easy to cook and wholesome, its shadow stretches far.

A convenient harvest dish
Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival, and in Khichdi, newly harvested grains and lentils are freshly used. This single dish celebrates the bounty that nature showers while also keeping one warm through the frigid winter nights.

Traditional pairings enhance its value
Khichdi has traditional accompaniments such as ghee, jaggery, or pickles, which enrich both its taste and nutritional content. With the use of seasonal vegetables like peas, cauliflower, or carrots, it has colourful beauty to it, hence making it special.

RITUALISTIC IMPORTANCE OF KHICHDI

A sacred offering
Khichdi is a dish that in most regions is more than a meal; it's an offering to the deities during Makar Sankranti. It's prepared in huge quantities and is served as a prasad in temples. This again highlights the importance of sharing and the community.

Charity and thanks
It's a long tradition to donate khichdi ingredients, such as rice, lentils, and sesame seeds, to Makar Sankranti. This charity marks compassion and a belief in prosperity.

KHICHDI: A CELEBRATION OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY

While the recipe and preparation of khichdi may vary across regions, its significance remains universal. Be it the Bengali bhoger khichuri, the Gujarati masoor dal khichdi, or the Uttar Pradesh-style tehri, each variant adds a unique flavour to Makar Sankranti celebrations.

By savouring this humble dish, communities come together to celebrate the essence of harvest, gratitude, and tradition that defines Makar Sankranti.