Sweet Celebrations

 

Sweet Celebrations: Tilkut Sales Boom as Makar Sankranti Approaches

As the harsh winter season approaches its end, just four days away from Makar Sankranti, people across India are preparing to welcome the warmth of spring with open arms. Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated throughout the country, marks the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign.

From Punjab's Maghi or Lohri to Assam's Magh Bihu or Bhogli Bihu, and Kerala's Makara Vilakku or Pongal, this festival takes on various regional flavors. In South India, Pongal is a four-day celebration that honors the Sun God and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand Celebrate Makar Sankranti with Fervor

In Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, Makar Sankranti is known as Sankranti or Khichdi Sankranti. Here, the festival is observed with great enthusiasm. In Gujarat, the festivities are called Uttrayan, marked by vibrant kite flying competitions and traditional meals prepared with freshly harvested grains and jaggery.

Uttrayan signifies the sun's entry into Capricorn. Ahmedabad hosts a spectacular annual kite flying festival, showcasing a dazzling array of colorful kites in various shapes and sizes. The festivities culminate in a community feast featuring homemade sweets and delicacies, fostering a spirit of social connection and family bonding. Notably, kite flying competitions are also held at night, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

A Time for Political Truce and Sweet Indulgence

Makar Sankranti is also a time for political parties to set aside their differences. Once during my visit to New Delhi for Makar Sankranti, I witnessed parties hosting festive gatherings, inviting politicians, media personnel, government officials, and other prominent figures to their offices or residences. This tradition of reconciliation is also prevalent in Bihar, where political rivals come together to exchange pleasantries and share a meal.

On Makar Sankranti, devotees often take a holy dip in the Ganges before indulging in a traditional feast that includes Tilkut, a sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery, along with Lai (puffed rice balls) and various other sweet treats.

Brisk Sales Mark the Arrival of Makar Sankranti in Ranchi

With Makar Sankranti just around the corner, Ranchi city is experiencing a surge in sales of Tilkut, Laai, and Til Laddoo. Bipin Kumar, the owner of Gopal Tilkut Bhandar, shared the current prices of these festive favorites:

• Tilkut made with jaggery: Rs 300 per kg
• Tilkut made with sugar: Rs 300 per kg
• Tilkut made with khoya: Rs 450 per kg
• Black til laddoo: Rs 450 per kg
• Puffed rice lai: Rs 20 for 10 pieces

A Celebration of Hope and New Beginnings

Makar Sankranti embodies the spirit of hope and fresh starts. It signifies the end of winter and the commencement of a new agricultural cycle.

Wishing all my friends, well-wishers, and followers a joyous and sweet Makar Sankranti!

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Image of brisk sale of Tilkuts in Ranchi.

Text and Photo by Ashok Karan

Ashokkaran.blogspot.com

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