Happy Makar Sankranti

Saturday 14th January marks the transition of the sun into a new zodiac sign in the Hindu calendar, otherwise known as Makar Sankranti. It is a day that is believed to bring peace and prosperity with prayers held and any good deeds planned for today will go well. Just like Lorhi (a Punjabi festival), it is also the celebration longer days and shorter nights. As my mum says, “the days get longer like the grain of a sesame seed,” so we can start seeing lighter evening from today. I’ll also be busy making til chikki (sesame brittle) which is totally my fave with my mum this weekend and  they’ll be polished off in no time too. If you want to have a go at making it yourself the recipe is below…

Another name for makar sankranti is also Uttarangan in Gujarat which is where my family are from. I remember being in India one year and the beautiful blue sky was filled with colourful kites or all sizes. This kite-flying festival lasts two days and it’s a real competition with people spending so much money on the right kite or finding the right string. The stronger the string you have, the less likely chance there is of it being cut down – which happens a lot during these two days! It’s an amazing atmosphere with everyone of all ages up on their roofs flying kites and having fun together.

Happy Makar Sankranti!