Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival, is celebrated with joy and traditional foods across India. One such common dish during this festival is Dal Khichdi. The importance of eating dal khichdi during Makar Sankranti is deeply rooted in cultural and nutritional aspects:
1. Cultural importance
– In Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas, Makar Sankranti is known as ‘Khichdi festival’. This is because Khichdi is considered to be the favorite dish of Hindu god Gorakshanath.
– During the festival devotees come to Gorakhnath temple to worship and seek blessings for a prosperous harvest. Reflecting its cultural significance, Khichdi is served as Prasad to the devotees.
2. Cultural importance in agriculture
– Since Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn, which signifies longer days and ample sunshine for crops, people consume newly harvested grains like rice and pulses to start the agricultural year.
– It marks the end of winter vegetables and Khichdi is prepared using seasonal ingredients like cauliflower, carrots, peas etc.
3. Nutritional Value
-According to Ayurveda, Khichdi is considered a light and easily digestible food, which provides many health benefits.
– It helps prepare the body for upcoming weather changes and related health challenges.
– Khichdi, being a nutritious food, contributes to overall well-being.
How to make Makar Sankranti Special Dal Khichdi
Here’s a simple recipe to make a special dal khichdi with the goodness of dal, rice and winter vegetables:
1. Contents
Masur lentils
Rice
– Carrots, peas, and other winter vegetables
– Basic spices: asafoetida, cumin, garam masala, etc.
– salt to taste
– Ghee (clarified butter)
2. Instructions
Boil pulses and rice separately.
– Cook carrots, peas and other vegetables with basic spices. Mix this mixture with lentils and rice.
Cook everything together, adjust salt and serve hot.
– Before serving, add a drop of ghee on it.
Khichdi preparation allows flexibility, so feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences.
On Makar Sankranti, enjoy the nutritious and symbolic Dal Khichdi, and may this festival bring prosperity and good health to all. Happy Makar Sankranti!