Why Til and Gur Are Eaten Together On Makar Sankranti? Know Importance

A seasonal change that has traditionally influenced Indian households' food choices is marked by Makar Sankranti. This festival's custom of eating til (sesame seeds) with gur (jaggery) is directly related to how the body reacts to winter. This combination has roots in everyday diet as well as culture, particularly in the way sesame seeds help the body during the winter.

Why Til and Gur are Important in Makar Sakaranti ?

Cultivated for more than 5,000 years in the Indian subcontinent, sesame seeds are among the oldest oilseeds known to man. Sesame was prized in ancient culinary customs for its capacity to retain energy and give vigor. The body requires foods that provide warmth and nutrients while digesting steadily because digestion slows down during the Makar Sankranti. Sesame seeds are a perfect fit for this need.

Impact of Til in Our Body and Diet

The protein content of til is a major factor in Makar Sankranticuisine.Plant-based protein from sesame seeds promotes general body strength, energy levels, and muscle repair. Because the body needs more energy to stay warm in the winter, protein becomes even more crucial. Sesame is beneficial not only seasonally but all year round since, in contrast to processed meals, it offers both protein and healthy fats.

Why Gur Is Important To Our Health

• Gur adds natural minerals and carbs to sesame.
• When combined, they create delicacies that are simple to keep and consume in small amounts, such as til laddoos and chikkis. This equilibrium keeps meals filling while preventing abrupt dips in energy.
• Because sesame seeds include nutrients like calcium and magnesium, the combo also promotes bone health.

Helps in Strength and Protein Intake

During Makar Sankranti, eating til and gur demonstrates a practical grasp of seasonal nutrition. All year long, sesame seeds help the body with strength, digestion, and protein intake. This custom demonstrates how well-chosen, basic foods can maintain health throughout the changing seasons without the need for sophisticated preparation or contemporary supplements.

Til-Gur Dishes

1.Til-Gur Chikki

Because of its extended shelf life, til chikki is a flat dessert made with sesame and jaggery during winter celebrations.It is suitable for Makar Sankranti celebrations and everyday winter snacking because it is simple to pack and share, and provides natural sweetness and plant protein.

Ingredients (12 pieces total):

Sesame seeds: 1 cup Crushed jaggery: ¾ cup Ghee: 1 teaspoon

Instructions:

• Sesame seeds should be lightly roasted after dry roasting.
• Heat the ghee and jaggery over a low heat.
• Stir until the jaggery melts and becomes slightly thicker.
• Mix rapidly after adding the roasted sesame seeds.
• On a plate that has been oiled, spread the mixture.
• While still warm, uniformly flatten and cut into pieces.

2. Til-Gur Ladoo

Foods that are simple to preserve and consume in little amounts are frequently highlighted during winter festivals. One such Sankranti treat is til gur ladoo, which is made with jaggery and roasted sesame seeds. It uses basic ingredients to provide protein, healthy fats, and consistent energy, making it ideal for Makar Sankranti.

Ingredients (to make ten ladoos):

• One cup of white sesame seeds (til)
• Grated jaggery: ¾ cup
• One tablespoon of ghee
• One-half teaspoon of cardamom powder

Instructions:

• Sesame seeds should be dry-roasted over a low heat until fragrant.
• Add the jaggery to a pan of heated ghee.
• Stir until all of the jaggery has melted.
• Add cardamom powder and roasted sesame seeds.
• After thoroughly mixing, turn off the heat.
• While warm, form into tiny ladoos.

Common FAQs On Makar Sakaranti

1. On Makar Sankranti, why are til and gur consumed together?

      ans - The combination is perfect for winter nutrition since jaggery supplies energy and sesame offers protein and good lipids.

2. Are sesame seeds useful outside of the winter?

      ans --Indeed, sesame seeds promote healthy bones, digestion, and protein intake all year round.

3. Can modest amounts of til and gur be consumed every day?

      ans - It is possible to consistently eat small quantities as part of a balanced diet.