Tilgud Tradition: Sweet Taste of Makar Sankranti and Its Meaning

When winter reaches its peak and kites flood the skies, Tilgud happens to take a huge place in Indian homes. It has become a popular dish in Maharashtra, and this simple Tilgud made with sesame and jaggery is more than just an advent or winter festival mithai; in fact, it holds meaning as well as health advantages and nuts. It was given with the expression “Tilgud ghya, God God bola” with meaning and essence.

Today’s dish is sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet. Let’s learn why this occupies a special position in our lives and how it is made. We'll also learn how to make sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet at home.

What Is Tilgud and Why Is It Special?

Tilgud is a traditional Indian dessert consisting of til and gud as main ingredients. It’s generally made and distributed during the celebration of Makar Sankranti, which marks the entry of the sun into the sign of Capricorn.

The combination may seem simple, but the meaning and importance are profound.

Why  Tilgud is Important During Makar Sankranti?

1. Cultural and Social Significance: sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet has a profound cultural & social significance. It is not only consumed but also distributed among friends, neighbors, and relatives. This practice of sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet distribution & acceptance is a sign of leaving the bitterness of the past, having a sweet beginning in the new harvest season, & strengthening social relations. This popular phrase is spoken during this event, "Tilgud ghya, god god bola," which translates to, "Accept this Tilgud & speak sweet words."
2. Seasonal Wisdom: January is the peak month of winter in most parts of the country. Sesame seeds and jaggery are warm-to-eat ingredients in Tilgud. Our ancestors had the knack for matching the eating habits according to the seasons, and sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet is the best example.
3. Religious Belief: Giving sesame and jaggery is also a part of Hindu tradition, especially when Makar Sankranti takes place. It is said that it brings auspiciousness, health, and happiness.

Health Benefits of Tilgud

“Tilgud (sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet)” This one’s not only very appetizing but also very healthy. It’s full of calcium and iron, very effective for the bones and the blood. In fact, during the winters, tilgud also works wonders for people as it activates digestion, keeps the body warm, and also strengthens the immunity system of the human body.

sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet also offers the person instant energizing benefits because of the fact that it’s very effective for the joints of the human body. As per nutrition experts, the sesame seeds present in the sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet are one of the healthiest plant sources of healthy fats, as well as minerals, when compared to anything else available in nature. Additionally, the jaggery present in the til

Ingredients Required to Make Tilgud

The basic ingredients required to make traditional sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet at home are 1 cup of white sesame seeds, ¾ cup of grated or crushed jaggery, and 1–2 teaspoons of ghee. To add flavor and aroma, one may also include ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder optionally. In addition, 2 tablespoons each of grated dry coconut and coarsely crushed peanuts can be added according to preference. These ingredients are all rather easily available and inexpensive.

Recipe: How to Make Tilgud at Home

Step 1: Roast the Sesame Seeds

First, dry roast the sesame seeds over low heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning the sesame seeds. When the sesame seeds turn light golden brown and become fragrant, switch off the heat. Allow it to cool a bit, then grind coarsely.

Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery

Now, in a pan, heat the jaggery over low heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of ghee to it. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts completely. While doing this, there is no need to add any water at all.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Immediately add the ground sesame seeds to the melted jaggery and mix well. Add cardamom powder, desiccated coconut, or peanuts, if used, and mix the mixture well.

Step 4: Shape the Tilgud

Grease your hands with a little ghee and while the mixture is still warm make into small ladoos or flat patties. Then let cool and set. Here home-made Tilgud is prepared.

Different Types of Tilgud

Tilgud varies slightly across regions let us see the different types of Tilgud according to the regions:

1. Tilgul Ladoo: It is very popular in Maharashtra
2. Til Chikki: brittle version, popular with kids
3. Til Gud Poli: sesame-jaggery stuffed flatbread
4. Til Barfi: square-shaped sweet with coconut

In every version, the same style but different texture.

Why Tilgud Still Matters Today

sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet stands out in today's age of packaged sweets and overly sugary desserts. It's traditional yet timeless, simple yet profound, and healthy yet celebratory. Tilgud shows us that festivals are much more than show and display and that to celebrate together means to do so with balance and purpose. This recipe comes from Cook and Country.

A Sweet Tradition Worth Preserving

Tilgud is more than a festival snack; it is a message embedded in warmth and sweetness. With the onset of Makar Sankranticelebrations, the message of sesame seeds and jaggery candy or sweet is a gentle nudge to speak kindly, to live simply, and to remain connected to our roots.

Therefore, this festival season, make Tilgud at home, serve it with lots of love, and continue this tradition with one yummy piece at a time.

Read More: Beware of Adulterated Sesame and Jaggery on Makar Sankranti: Expert Tells How to Identify Real and Fake at Home