Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15 this year. One of the holiest festivals on the Hindu calendar, Uttarayan from Dakshinayan of Sun is considered very auspicious and it marks the beginning of important events like weddings. Taking a dip in the sacred rivers and charity is considered important on this day. In addition, khichdi forms an integral part of the Makar Sankranti traditions. Making, eating and donating khichdi ingredients has special significance on Makar Sankranti. And this is also the reason why this festival is called khichdi in many places. It is believed that eating khichdi made on this occasion with ingredients like rice, black lentils, salt, turmeric, peas and other vegetables brings in good luck and prosperity. Some legends have it that rice on this day is considered to be the symbol of the moon and the black lentil is of Saturn. Black lentils are also offered as prasad to Lord Shani. Makar Sankranti 2020 Dishes: From the Til Gud Ladoo to Moong Dal Ki Khichdi, Traditional Recipes To Celebrate The Harvest Festival. 

Importance of making, eating and donating Khichdi Ingredients on Makar Sankranti

It is said that the warmth of khichdi in the cold weather brings in health, prosperity and good luck. Eating khichdi on this day strengthens the position of planets in your zodiac readings. Apart from that khichdi is actually a mix of healthy ingredients that is considered both nutritious and delicious. Legends say that, Baba Gorakhnath, the incarnation of Lord Shiva advised cooking dal, rice and vegetable together on this day to feed the people in need. This dish was quite nutritious and delicious also give the body instant energy.

How to Prepare Khichdi on Makar Sankranti

Ingredients

One bowl rice, half bowl lentils, one potato, 2 green chillies, one bowl peas, one capsicum, asafoetida, cumin, ginger, black pepper, clove powder, ghee and salt, as per taste. You can add any vegetable that you like. Palak Dal Khichdi For Winter Season; Here's Why The Spinach Twist to Your Khichdi Can Prove to Be Healthy Meal.

Method

  • First, soak the dal and rice separately in water for a while and grind the ginger on one side.

  • Now heat ghee in the pressure cooker, add mustard seeds, cumin, asafetida, turmeric and grated ginger.

  • Now add all the chopped vegetables and mix. After this, add lentils and rice and fry for a while.

  • Now add three bowls of water and salt and chilli and close the cooker.

  • Turn off the gas after one whistle. Sprinkle black pepper powder while serving.

  • Garnish with green coriander and serve hot.

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Another most important food prepared for this celebration includes sweets made mainly using sesame and jaggery also known as Til-Gud Laddoos. Since it is a harvest festival, dishes prepared on this day majorly include ingredients such as grains and fresh winter veggies.

(This article doesn't intend to promote superstition of any kind)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2020 02:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).