Makara Sankranti 2025 Special Recipes to Celebrate the Harvest Festival

Makara Sankranti 2025 Special Recipes to Celebrate the Harvest Festival

Makara Sankranti, celebrated annually in mid-January, marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and heralds the beginning of longer, sunnier days. This significant Indian harvest festival is observed with fervour and joy, especially in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and other states. A key feature of the festival is the preparation and sharing of traditional recipes that reflect the season's bounty and cultural heritage.  

Makara Sankranti 2025, falling on 15th January, is an opportunity to indulge in timeless recipes that embody the festival's essence. From sweet treats to savoury delights, these dishes celebrate the harvest season, incorporating seasonal ingredients like sesame seeds, jaggery, rice, and coconut. In this article, we’ll explore some of the special recipes that make Sankranti celebrations memorable.  

1 Ellu Bella (Sesame and Jaggery Mixture)

Ellu Bella is a signature Sankranti dish from Karnataka that symbolises harmony and goodwill. It is a no-cook recipe made by mixing roasted sesame seeds, jaggery pieces, roasted peanuts, dried coconut, and sugar candy.  

Ingredients

- Sesame seeds: ½ cup  

- Jaggery (cut into small pieces): ½ cup  

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Roasted peanuts (peeled): ½ cup  

- Dried coconut (cut into small cubes): ½ cup  

- Sugar candy (kallu sakkare): ¼ cup  

Method

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds until golden and aromatic. Allow them to cool.  

2. Combine the sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, dried coconut, and sugar candy in a large bowl.  

3. Mix gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.  

4. Store in an airtight container and serve as a festive snack.  

This dish is shared with neighbours and friends as part of the festival custom, along with sugarcane and fruits.  

Sakkare Acchu (Sugar Figurines)

Sakkare Acchu is a unique Sankranti sweet made from moulded sugar syrup. These figurines, shaped like flowers, animals, and other symbols, add a decorative touch to the festive table.  

**Ingredients**:  

- Sugar: 1 cup  

- Water: ½ cup  

- Milk: 2 tablespoons  

- Edible colours (optional): a few drops  

**Method**:  

1. Dissolve sugar in water and bring it to a boil. Add milk to remove impurities, and skim off the froth.  

2. Continue to simmer until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency. Add edible colours if desired.  

3. Pour the syrup into moulds and allow it to set.  

4. Once hardened, gently remove the figurines from the moulds.  

These intricate sugar figurines are a visual and culinary delight, making them an essential part of Sankranti celebrations.  

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#### **3. Yellu Unde (Sesame Laddus)**  

Yellu Unde, or sesame laddus, are a popular Sankranti sweet known for their warmth and energy-boosting properties. They are made by combining roasted sesame seeds with jaggery syrup.  

**Ingredients**:  

- Sesame seeds: 1 cup  

- Jaggery (grated): ¾ cup  

- Ghee: 1 tablespoon  

**Method**:  

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds until golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool.  

2. Melt the jaggery with a little water in a pan. Simmer until the syrup reaches a soft-ball consistency.  

3. Add the roasted sesame seeds and ghee to the syrup. Mix well.  

4. While still warm, shape the mixture into small balls using your hands.  

5. Allow the laddus to cool and harden before serving.  

These laddus are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, making them a wholesome addition to the Sankranti menu.  

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#### **4. Pongal (Sweet and Savoury Variants)**  

Pongal is a traditional rice dish prepared in two versions—sweet and savoury. The sweet variant, Sakkarai Pongal, is made with jaggery, while the savoury version, Venn Pongal, features spices and ghee.  

**Sakkarai Pongal Ingredients**:  

- Raw rice: 1 cup  

- Moong dal: 2 tablespoons  

- Jaggery: 1 cup  

- Ghee: 2 tablespoons  

- Cardamom powder: 1 teaspoon  

- Cashews and raisins: for garnish  

**Method**:  

1. Cook rice and moong dal together in a pressure cooker until soft.  

2. Melt jaggery in a pan with a little water to make a syrup. Strain to remove impurities.  

3. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the jaggery syrup. Stir well.  

4. Add ghee, cardamom powder, and roasted cashews and raisins. Mix thoroughly.  

**Venn Pongal Ingredients**:  

- Raw rice: 1 cup  

- Moong dal: ¼ cup  

- Ghee: 2 tablespoons  

- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon  

- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon  

- Curry leaves and ginger: for flavour  

**Method**:  

1. Cook rice and moong dal together until soft.  

2. Heat ghee in a pan and temper with black pepper, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and ginger.  

3. Mix the tempered spices into the rice and dal. Serve hot.  

Both versions of Pongal are a must-have for Sankranti, representing prosperity and abundance.  

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#### **5. Kajjaya (Crispy Rice and Jaggery Fritters)**  

Kajjaya is a deep-fried delicacy made from rice flour and jaggery. This crunchy sweet is a favourite during Sankranti in Karnataka.  

**Ingredients**:  

- Rice flour: 1 cup  

- Jaggery: ¾ cup  

- Water: ½ cup  

- Cardamom powder: 1 teaspoon  

- Oil: for frying  

**Method**:  

1. Melt jaggery in water to form a thick syrup.  

2. Add rice flour and cardamom powder to the syrup, mixing to form a dough.  

3. Shape the dough into small discs.  

4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the discs until golden brown.  

5. Drain on paper towels and serve.  

The crispy texture and rich flavour make Kajjaya a beloved festive treat.  

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#### **The Cultural Importance of Sankranti Recipes**  

These traditional recipes are more than just food; they are a way of preserving and passing down cultural heritage. Each dish is made with ingredients that hold symbolic significance—sesame for warmth, jaggery for sweetness, and rice for prosperity.  

Sharing these dishes with family, friends, and neighbours strengthens bonds and reinforces the festival's spirit of generosity and unity.  

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Adapting Recipes for Modern Times

In 2025, while many families will continue to prepare these recipes in the traditional way, others may opt for modern adaptations. Ready-made ingredients, healthier substitutions like jaggery powder or millet flour, and fusion recipes offer convenience while retaining the essence of the dishes.  

For example, sesame laddus can be made with dates instead of jaggery for a sugar-free alternative, and Sakkarai Pongal can be cooked with brown rice for added fibre.  

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#### **Conclusion**  

Makara Sankranti 2025 offers a chance to celebrate tradition through food, connecting us to our roots while embracing the present. Special recipes like Ellu Bella, Sakkare Acchu, and Yellu Unde not only delight the taste buds but also carry the festival's deeper meanings of gratitude, sharing, and renewal.  

As families gather to prepare and share these dishes, they create lasting memories and ensure that the essence of Sankranti endures for generations to come.