5 Makar Sankranti Recipes to Fly High on Flavour
Five timeless Makar Sankranti recipes that celebrate winter produce, sesame flavours, and the joy of long kite flying afternoons.
Makar Sankranti mornings always begin the same way for me: cold air, warm sunshine, and rooftops slowly filling with colour. Kite strings tangled around taped fingers (‘cause the cuts from the dori are painful), loud cheers cutting through the sky, and the smell of sesame, jaggery, and spices drifting up from the kitchen below. Between flying kites and cutting someone else’s kite string (while screaming kai po che!), food becomes the real anchor of the day. Something warm to balance the breeze, something sweet to match the joy, and something indulgent to slow everything down. These are the dishes I instinctively reach for every Sankranti; they are familiar, seasonal, and deeply comforting.
Piyush
Thick, creamy, and gently spiced, piyush is made with hung curd, milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg. Served chilled, it refreshes instantly while offering richness that perfectly complements Sankranti’s sesame-heavy dishes.
Til ki Chutney
Bold and warming, til ki chutney brings roasted sesame seeds together with garlic, chilli, and peanuts. Its nutty depth pairs beautifully with bhakri, khichdi, or plain rice, adding balance to sweet, heavy festive menus.
Undhiyu
A winter classic synonymous with Sankranti, undhiyu combines seasonal vegetables, methi muthiya, coconut, and spices in a slow-cooked medley. Hearty and aromatic, it anchors the meal after long hours of kite flying.
Til Gud Paratha
Til Gud Paratha is a Sankranti classic, soft rotis stuffed with roasted sesame, coconut, and jaggery, tawa-cooked till crisp outside, gooey inside, best enjoyed hot with homemade butter.
Gajak Rolls
Light, crisp, and fragrant with sesame and jaggery, gajak rolls deliver festive indulgence without heaviness. Rolled into a small log and very chewy, they are ideal for slow snacking as the sun dips and kites begin to disappear.
Makar Sankranti recipes reflect the season: warming, grounding, and joyful. These recipes bring together tradition and comfort, turning kite-filled afternoons into memories built around flavour, sunshine, and shared plates.
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya loves a good Harry Potter conversation when she is not busy figuring out the best toppings for Ramen. An avid reader who enjoys all forms of story-telling, you will find her either reading or binge-watching shows. She also loves spending her weekends taking care of her skin while figuring out which restaurant to get a take-out from.