The week is buzzing with many festivities and Bollywood stars among others gave an extra flavour to the cheerful extravaganza with their enthusiasm for welcoming the festival of Kites. Makara Sankranti or Maghi, is dedicated to the deity Surya. It is celebrated each year in January. It marks the first day of the sun’s season, announcing the end of the period with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. It is a particularly auspicious time for Indians, as they begin to celebrate the harvest. All the festivities revolve around food and sweets. So, what Pia Bajpiee is planning to gorge on this Makar Sankranti.
Pia Bajpiee says, ” My mother always said that sesame (or til) is an important component of Sankranti celebrations. It helps keep our body warm and replenishes it with many added health benefits. Chikki is a kind of a sweet, brittle candy that is made with jaggery and til. I loved eating it all the different gud sweets as well “
Til ladoo is to Makar Sankranti what plum cakes are to Christmas. Til (or white sesame) and jaggery are very integral part od Sankranti delicacies, they are known to keep your body warm and fortified. In India, it is not uncommon to start preparing for Sankranti days in advance, the special desserts made on this day do need bit of a collective effort. And since, they are all so worth it- you would find the entire family working together to put up a great feast!
