Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra The Sweet Traditions of Chikki

Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra The Sweet Traditions of Chikki

Makara Sankranti, celebrated annually in mid-January, is one of the few Indian festivals that follows the solar calendar. This harvest festival marks the northward movement of the sun and signifies the end of the winter solstice. In Maharashtra, it is a time of social harmony, familial gatherings, cultural rituals, and—perhaps most memorably—sweets. Among the most iconic treats prepared and exchanged during Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra is *Chikki*, a crunchy confection made from jaggery and an assortment of nuts and seeds.

While Chikki is enjoyed across India in various forms, the Maharashtrian version holds a distinct place in both tradition and taste. It is closely linked to the values of togetherness, generosity, and warmth—both literal and emotional—that define this auspicious festival.

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### The Significance of Chikki During Makara Sankranti

In Maharashtra, Makara Sankranti is associated with the age-old tradition of saying, *“Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola”*—which translates to “Accept this sesame and jaggery sweet and speak sweetly.” This ritual of exchanging sesame-based sweets, particularly Chikki and *tilgul ladoos*, reflects the core message of Sankranti: to forgive old differences, speak kindly, and welcome the new season with sweetness and goodwill.

Chikki, especially the sesame and jaggery variety, plays a central role in this exchange. It is prepared in households across the state and offered to relatives, neighbours, friends, and guests. The act of gifting Chikki symbolises warmth in relationships, while the ingredients themselves offer literal warmth to the body during the cold season.

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### What Exactly Is Chikki?

Chikki is a traditional Indian brittle made by combining molten jaggery with a range of nuts, seeds, or puffed grains. Once mixed, the hot concoction is spread onto a greased surface and flattened before it cools and hardens into crisp sheets or bars. The classic Maharashtrian version is made with sesame seeds (*til*) and jaggery (*gul*), though other ingredients like peanuts, dry coconut, puffed rice, dry fruits, and roasted gram are also used.

The texture of Chikki can range from delicately crisp to robust and nutty, depending on the ingredients used. Its simplicity is its charm—no elaborate preparation, no fancy moulds—just good-quality ingredients, some skill, and a little bit of patience.

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### Why Jaggery and Sesame?

Jaggery is a staple in traditional Indian sweets, valued not just for its deep caramel-like sweetness, but also for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in iron and other minerals, believed to purify the blood, aid digestion, and provide warmth during winter. Sesame seeds, on the other hand, are packed with healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and fibre. They are said to improve bone strength and maintain body heat, making them ideal for consumption during colder months.

The pairing of sesame and jaggery in Chikki isn’t just culinary—it’s Ayurvedic. This powerful combination nourishes the body while aligning with seasonal dietary needs, all while serving as a delicious festive indulgence.

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### The Tradition of Making Chikki at Home

In many Maharashtrian homes, Chikki is still made using traditional methods during Makara Sankranti. Women of the household, often with the help of children and elders, prepare various types of Chikki in the days leading up to the festival. The process involves roasting the sesame seeds or nuts, preparing jaggery syrup to the right consistency, mixing the ingredients quickly before the syrup cools, and spreading the mixture out to cut into uniform pieces.

Here’s a simple method for making sesame-jaggery Chikki, or *til chikki*, at home:

**Ingredients:**

- 1 cup white sesame seeds (til)

- ¾ cup jaggery (preferably dark, unrefined)

- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)

- A small pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds on a medium flame until they begin to pop. Set aside.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add jaggery and a teaspoon of water. Heat on a low flame.

3. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and reaches a hard-ball consistency (test by dropping a bit in water—it should break with a snap).

4. Add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom (if using), mix well.

5. Immediately pour onto a greased flat surface or a butter paper.

6. Flatten with a rolling pin and cut into squares or diamonds while warm.

7. Let cool, then store in an airtight container.

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### Chikki Variations in Maharashtra

Although sesame is the star during Sankranti, Chikki in Maharashtra comes in many delicious forms:

- **Shengdana Chikki** (Peanut brittle): Made with roasted peanuts and jaggery, this is one of the most popular versions.

- **Dry Fruit Chikki**: Premium varieties using cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins.

- **Kurmura Chikki** (Puffed rice brittle): Light and airy, perfect for children and elders alike.

- **Coconut Chikki**: Made using dry or freshly grated coconut, offering a unique texture and flavour.

Each variety reflects local preferences, availability of ingredients, and family traditions. Many families make multiple types at once, neatly packed into decorative boxes for gifting.

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### Chikki as a Symbol of Culture and Identity

In Maharashtra, Chikki is more than a festive sweet—it is a cultural artefact. Many people associate Chikki with memories of childhood, grandmother’s kitchens, or festive marketplaces. During Sankranti, small fairs and local markets in villages and cities alike are filled with stalls selling different types of Chikki in brightly coloured packets. It is not uncommon for families to visit these markets together to buy their seasonal supply of this brittle delicacy.

Famous Chikki brands like those from Lonavala have turned the sweet into a year-round snack, but the ones made and shared during Sankranti carry unmatched emotional value. It represents the merging of seasonal awareness, nutritional wisdom, and festive joy.

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### Chikki in Modern Times

With changing lifestyles, ready-made Chikki has become more accessible, and even gourmet versions are now available. Urban stores and online platforms offer Chikki bars with added flax seeds, quinoa, oats, and even dark chocolate. These healthier adaptations maintain the essence of the traditional sweet while appealing to contemporary tastes and dietary concerns.

That said, many Maharashtrian families still preserve the tradition of homemade Chikki, passing recipes down through generations. It is not just about making a sweet—it is about keeping a cultural practice alive.

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### Conclusion

Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra is a celebration of light, warmth, and unity. Among its many rituals and delights, Chikki stands out as a timeless symbol of this festival’s essence. With its simple ingredients, wholesome benefits, and cultural depth, Chikki bridges the past with the present, reminding us that sweetness—whether in food or relationships—is always worth celebrating.

So this Sankranti, whether you prepare it at home or pick up a pack from your local market, remember the tradition behind every bite of Chikki. Share it with loved ones, say *“Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola”*, and welcome the new season with open arms and a sweet smile.