5 Traditional Sweets To Celebrate Makar Sankranti

As the winter sun starts to shine brighter and the days become a tad warmer, it’s time to gear up for one of the most joyful festivals celebrated in India: Makar Sankranti! This vibrant festival, celebrated every January, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

It’s a time filled with colourful kites, joyful gatherings, and, most importantly, mouth-watering delicacies that can make anyone’s heart skip a beat. So, if you’re ready to celebrate Makar Sankranti the traditional way, here are five irresistible sweets that you absolutely must indulge in!

And with Milkbasket, you can easily find all the ingredients you need for these festive treats. Simply rely on grocery shopping delivery to stock up on your essentials without the hassle.

1. Til Gud (Sesame and Jaggery Sweets)

First up on our list is the classic Til Gud, a sweet treat that’s almost synonymous with Makar Sankranti. Made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud), this traditional delight packs a punch in terms of flavour and nutrition.

The nuttiness of the sesame seeds paired with the caramel-like sweetness of jaggery creates a treat that is not only delicious but also encourages warmth in your body during those chilly winter days.

The preparation is pretty straightforward. You roast the sesame seeds until they’re slightly golden and fragrant, then combine them with melted jaggery to form a sticky mixture. Once it cools down a bit, you can spread it out and cut it into bite-sized pieces, or even roll them into small balls.

The finishing touch? A sprinkle of cardamom or a hint of coconut for an extra wow factor! Pop one of these in your mouth, and you’ll feel an instant boost of energy!

2. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of creamy kheer? This traditional rice pudding, made with rice, milk, and sugar, is a must-have during Makar Sankranti.

To make it extra special, you can add a variety of nuts, raisins, and, of course, a pinch of cardamom for that aromatic touch.

Kheer is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug. The slow cooking process allows the rice to soak up the flavors of milk and sugar, creating a luscious texture.

Some families even customize their kheer with saffron strands, which not only adds a beautiful hue but also gives it an exquisite aroma. Serve it chilled or warm, and watch it disappear within minutes!

3. Gur Ka Halwa (Jaggery Semolina Pudding)

For the halwa lovers out there, Gur Ka Halwa is an absolute must during Makar Sankranti celebrations! This sweet pudding is made from semolina (sooji), jaggery, and ghee, resulting in a heavenly, rich dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

The process? Simple and satisfying!

First, dry roast the semolina until it’s lightly golden, and then slowly add in ghee, jaggery, and water, stirring gently to form a thick halwa.

You can throw in some chopped nuts for an added crunch and a few cardamom pods for that unmistakable Indian flavour.

The result? A warm, gooey dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or going solo on a cozy evening!

4. Puran Poli (Sweet Stuffed Flatbread)

Next on our sweet journey is a classic from Maharashtra: Puran Poli. These delicious flatbreads are filled with a sweet mixture of split grams and jaggery, making it a delightful dish to celebrate the occasion.

Not only is Puran Poli scrumptious, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of many who look forward to it every year!

To make Puran Poli, you’ll knead a dough made from whole wheat flour, prepare a filling by cooking split yellow gram with jaggery, and then blend it with cardamom. Roll out the dough, stuff it with the filling, seal it, and then roll it again into a flat, round shape.

Cook it on a hot tava, brushing it with ghee until you see those lovely golden-brown spots. Serve it hot with a dollop of ghee on top, and you’ve got yourself a heavenly delicacy that’s bound to impress everyone at the table!

5. Badam Burfi (Almond Fudge)

Last but not least, we can’t forget about Badam Burfi, a rich and luxurious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions like Makar Sankranti. Made from ground almonds, sugar, and ghee, Badam Burfi is a feast for the senses.

It’s not just delicious; it’s also a treat that radiates the warmth and love of celebration!

To make Badam Burfi, soak your almonds overnight, then peel and grind them into a fine paste. In a pan, combine this paste with sugar and ghee, cooking it until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. You can then spread it onto a plate, let it cool, and cut it into delightful diamond-shaped pieces.

Top it off with slivers of pistachio or edible silver foil for an added touch of elegance—perfect for impressing your guests!

Wrapping Up

Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings together family, friends, joy, and lots of delightful food. While these five traditional sweets—Til Gud, Kheer, Gur Ka Halwa, Puran Poli, and Badam Burfi—are must-haves, don’t hesitate to explore more regional variations and local delicacies that may also be a part of the celebrations.

So, whether you’re flying kites, enjoying the sunshine, or simply indulging in these sweet treats, embrace the spirit of Makar Sankranti with open arms and a happy heart! Because at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating life and enjoying the simple pleasures it brings, one sweet bite at a time.

And to make your celebrations hassle-free, rely on Milkbasket for all your online food shopping needs. With over 10,000+ items, from groceries to daily essentials, delivered silently by 7 AM, you can focus on the festivities without worrying about last-minute shopping.

Download the Milkbasket app, add your ingredients to the cart by midnight, and wake up to a fully stocked kitchen—the easiest way to keep your Makar Sankranti preparations stress-free!

Happy Makar Sankranti from Milkbasket team 💓🪁