With the entry of Sun into Capricorn, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across the country. With the arrival of this festival, the fragrance of Khichdi spreads especially in the houses of North India. This tradition is not limited to just taste or food, but behind it lies a deep significance to religious faith, seasonal changes, Ayurvedic science and agricultural culture. According to this tradition that has been going on for centuries, making Khichdi at home on the day of Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious and it is offered to God and distributed as Prasad.
On this festival which falls during the coldest period of the season, Khichdi is considered to be the most suitable food for the body. Khichdi made from rice, pulses and desi ghee is not only easily digestible but also gives energy and warmth to the body in winter. This is the reason why Makar Sankranti is also known as ‘Khichdi festival’ in many areas. This tradition associated with welcoming the new crop, gratitude to the Sun God and the spirit of charity still reflects the rich heritage of Indian culture.
On the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. This is considered to be the beginning of Sun’s Uttarayan. At this time, cold is at its peak and the digestive power of the body becomes relatively weak. Khichdi is considered the most suitable food in such weather, because it is light, digestible and energy giving. For this reason, Khichdi is specially prepared on this day.
According to Ayurveda, Vata dosha increases in the body in winter. The rice, pulses and desi ghee used in Khichdi keep the body warm from inside. Also improves digestion. Let us tell you that the things included in Khichdi protect from cold, cough and weakness. This is the reason why Khichdi is considered the most balanced and beneficial food on cold weather festivals like Makar Sankranti.
From religious point of view, Makar Sankranti is considered a special day of charity. Donating khichdi, sesame seeds, jaggery, rice and pulses on this day is considered very virtuous. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Khichdi is offered to God and distributed as Prasad.
According to a popular belief, Baba Gorakhnath had advised his disciples to eat nutritious and quick food in winter, after which the tradition of making Khichdi started. Since then, Khichdi is considered to have special significance on Makar Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival. At this time the new crop of paddy and pulses comes home. In Khichdi, gratitude towards nature and Sun God is expressed by using rice and pulses of the new crop. This food is also a symbol of farmer culture and prosperity.
Why is it believed that it is important to make Khichdi on this day?
According to folk traditions, not making Khichdi on Makar Sankranti is not considered auspicious. It is believed that making Khichdi on this day brings happiness and prosperity in the house, removes negative energy and maintains health throughout the year. For this reason it is followed as an auspicious tradition.
The Khichdi made on this day is different from normal days. In this, new crop rice, moong or urad dal, desi ghee, sesame seeds and sometimes jaggery are used. This is its biggest feature, which makes it both religious and nutritious.
Khichdi is a food which can be eaten by people of every age and class. Making it and distributing it among neighbors and the needy is considered a symbol of social unity and brotherhood. This is the reason why this festival is not limited to home only, but becomes a medium to connect the society.
