Maghe Sankranti, also called Makar Sankranti, is celebrated on the first day of Magh of the Nepali calendar. This celebration is immensely significant to the Tharu people. Maghe Sankranti is observed on the first day of Magh to worship the sun deity. Poush is the coldest month. So, at the very beginning of Magh, people worship the Sun God to thank Him for blessing us with long, sunny days.
A lot of scrumptious dishes are consumed during this occasion. In order to keep one’s body warm during the chilly days, one consumes a variety of dishes. We have brought a few foods that are consumed in the Makar Sankranti.
Til Laddu
Til laddu is made up of jaggery and sesame. Eating this laddu with ghee is a feast for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is one of the favourite Maghe Sankranti treats. This laddu is unquestionably wonderful. Additionally, it is a basic item that you must not skip on this auspicious day. Two different types of laddus are made using both black and white sesame. They both make excellent snacks.
Bukha ko Laddu is the next laddu consumed on Maghe Sankranti. It also goes by the names, Muumura and Muri Laddu. Bhuja, puffed rice, which is very light in weight and crispy to chew, is combined with jaggery and moulded into spheres by hand. The market has these laddus readily accessible for purchase. However, a lot of people choose to make it themselves since it is enjoyable and, in all honesty, it tastes better than the store-bought ones.
Chaku
In order to make Chaku, molasses is boiled in a large pot. The liquid is then put outside to cool and then shaped as wished. In addition, toppings such as dates, nuts, and coconut are cooked with ghee and milk, and garnished on top. People choose to use a store bought Chaku instead of a til laddu since it is simpler to make and takes less time.
Sweet Potatoes and Yam
Yams and sweet potatoes are steamed cooked the day before or the evening of the last day of Poush. They are then consumed with some ghee in the morning. Taro roots are eaten in the same manner as the sweet potato and yam.
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In Nepali, yam is referred to as Tarul, sweet potatoes as Sakar Khanda, and taro roots as Pidaalu. They are eaten along with ghee. Ghee is clarified butter that has been created after the milk sediments in butter have been removed. As stated previously, these meals are eaten to help your body fight the cold. It is said that eating it after massaging your body with sesame oil helps improve your health.
Khichadi
Khichadi is a nutritious dish that improves immunity and controls diabetes since it contains the ideal proportion of all the nutrients. Rice, lentils, ghee, oil, salt, turmeric powder, and ginger paste are the ingredients used to prepare khichadi. On this day exclusively, Nepali, who often only eat rice, prepare khichadi.
Food plays a significant role in every event in Nepalese culture, whether it has religious or scientific significance. The focus of Maghe Sankranti is on eating wholesome cuisine and spending time with family. So, having prepared all these dishes mentioned here for Maghe Sankranti, are you ready to have a feast? Definitely, you must be!
Wish a happy and prosperous Maghe Sankranti!
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
Photos By: The Gundruk
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