10 must-try Makar Sankranti recipes from across India | How to make special Til Laddu WATCH #Shorts
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The harvest season is almost here, and so is the unmistakable festive buzz of Makar Sankranti! 🌾✨ Look up and you’ll see the sky splashed with colorful kites. Look down and you’ll find tables loaded with irresistible festive treats. Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn)—a beautiful sign of winter bidding goodbye and brighter, warmer days stepping in.
And if there’s one thing Indians truly celebrate with all their heart (and appetite), it’s food. Makar Sankranti is especially special because every region adds its own delicious touch to the festivities. Let’s take a joyful tour of some much-loved Sankranti dishes that make this festival so memorable.
1. Til Ke Ladoo
No Sankranti celebration feels complete without these golden delights. Made with roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and a touch of pure ghee, til ladoos are packed with warmth, energy, and nostalgia. In Maharashtra, the tradition says it best: “Til gul ghya, god god bola”—eat sweets and speak sweetly. A beautiful sentiment wrapped in a bite of happiness!
2. Gajak (Sesame Seed Brittle)
Crunchy, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying, gajak is a winter classic. Sesame seeds roasted gently in ghee and bound together with jaggery create a brittle that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for chilly January days.
3. Pinni
Straight from Punjab, pinni is a wholesome winter treat made with whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits. Rich, nourishing, and melt-in-the-mouth, it’s often shared with loved ones—because good food tastes even better when shared.
4. Puran Poli
A Maharashtrian favorite, puran poli is a soft flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling of chana dal, jaggery, and fragrant spices. Cooked generously in ghee, every bite feels like a warm hug from home.
5. Undhiyu
This iconic Gujarati dish is a true celebration of winter vegetables. Slow-cooked with spices and tempered in ghee, undhiyu is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—proof that savory dishes shine just as bright during Sankranti.
6. Sweet Pongal
In the South, Sankranti is synonymous with sweet pongal. Rice, jaggery, milk, and ghee come together in a creamy, comforting dish that’s both festive and soulful. A fragrant tempering takes it to the next level.
7. Til Chikki
Another crunchy sesame delight, til chikki is simple yet addictive. Roasted sesame seeds and jaggery create a brittle that’s light, energizing, and perfect for festive snacking.
8. Besan Ke Ladoo
Soft, aromatic, and rich, besan ke ladoos are festival favorites across India. Ghee brings out the nutty flavor of gram flour, making these ladoos an instant crowd-pleaser.
9. Makara Chaula
An Odia specialty prepared as an offering to the Sun God, Makara Chaula combines rice, jaggery, and milk into a simple yet deeply meaningful festive dish.
10. Methi Thepla
Savory lovers aren’t left behind! Methi thepla, made with fenugreek leaves and spices, adds balance to the festive spread. Pair it with butter or enjoy it on its own—it’s delicious either way.
Make It Extra Special with Nutralite Doodhshakti
Great food deserves great ingredients. Nutralite’s Doodhshakti range adds richness, flavor, and goodness to your festive cooking.
Nutralite Doodhshakti Probiotic Butter Spread brings creamy indulgence with the added benefit of probiotics—perfect on methi thepla or for sautéing veggies.
Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee, crafted from premium milk, enhances everything from til ladoos and gajak to sweet pongal and puran poli with its authentic aroma and taste.
Makar Sankranti is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and fresh beginnings. From sesame-laden sweets to hearty winter dishes, every recipe tells a story of culture and tradition. Enjoy these festive favorites with your loved ones, elevate them with Nutralite Doodhshakti, and make this Makar Sankranti truly unforgettable.

