- By Kashish Rai
- Sun, 12 Jan 2025 11:00 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Makar Sankranti 2025: Makar Sankranti holds great significance as it marks the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, heralding the beginning of longer days and the end of winter. This celestial event is celebrated with great fervour, and two key ingredients play a crucial role in the festivities: til (sesame seeds) and khichdi. Til is considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and donating or consuming it on Makar Sankranti is believed to bring blessings and positivity. But, have you ever wondered what is the significance of these two dishes in the Makar Sankranti festivities?
Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji - Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Bhagavat) Kathavachak And Spiritual Orator elucidates the significance of sesame (til) and khichdi during Makar Sankranti, highlighting their importance in Hindu tradition and their role in fostering spiritual growth, prosperity and positivity during this auspicious festival below:
The Symbolism of Til (Sesame) and Khichdi
Purification and Divine Blessings In traditional Indian culture, festivals, religious gatherings, and occasions such as Makar Sankranti transcend mere celebrations; they embody profound spiritual meanings. Foods like til (sesame) and khichdi hold a place of reverence far beyond their culinary significance. They symbolize simplicity, regeneration, and the mystical interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul, deeply rooted in India's spiritual and cultural fabric. In the divine Granth ‘Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Rasayan Mahakavya) the author, Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi ji Maharaj says that any food once offered to God (bhog) becomes prasad. This prasad when consumed not only nourishes the body but purifies the mind and soul too.
Til (Sesame) represents Purity and Longevity
For millennia, old Indian customs have held sesame seeds, or til have high regard. Their worth belies their diminutive stature. Sesame is frequently utilised in cleansing and protective rituals as a symbol of longevity and purity. Til is an essential component of several sweets, including tilgul and sesame jaggery laddoos, which are given and received as signs of goodwill and to foster peace and prosperity during celebrations like Makar Sankranti.
Khichdi: A Sign of Harmony and Provision
A homely dish of rice and lentils, khichdi represents balance and harmony and balance. Despite all the differences, these ingredients provide a healthiest dinner that embodies the idea of variety in unity. In many states of India, khichdi is usually made and shared on Makar Sankranti as a way to thank the Sun God for the bountiful crop and to request his blessings of riches and health. Making and sharing khichdi strengthens the concept of connectivity and creates a sense of community.
The Spiritual Aspect
When combined, til and khichdi symbolise a path to spiritual and physical purification. Makar Sankranti represents fresh starts and the victory of light over darkness as the sun enters the Capricorn sign of the zodiac. Adding to a custom, having these cuisines during this time acts as a spiritual exercise, giving a reminder to purify our thinking, welcome blessings and look for heavenly favours for a peaceful existence. These simple yet deeply rooted valued foods are an essential element of India's traditional and cultural fabric because they act as a link between the religious and the material world.
These cherished foods, deeply embedded in Indian tradition, encourage us to embrace simplicity, practice gratitude, and seek divine blessings. By honouring these sacred elements, we nurture not only our bodies but also our souls, reaffirming our place within the grand design of the universe.
