One of the first festivals of the year, Makar Sankranti marks the end of winter and the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This festival is significant as it marks the beginning of the harvest season in the country. This year, Makar Sankranti falls on January 15. Throughout the country, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying kites, taking holy dips in water, and preparing delectable foods. Dishes like Til Laddoo, Gajak, Payesh, Puran Poli, Pinni, and Khichdi are made for this special occasion. However, one of the lesser-known yet lip-smacking Makar Sankranti special dishes from Odisha, Makara Chaula, is also the highlight of this festival. Intrigued by it? Read on to know more!
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Makara Chaura is a Makar Sankranti special dish from Odisha.
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What Is The Significance Of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti holds both religious and seasonal significance in Indian culture. In the past, this festival marked the shift of the sun, symbolizing hope and the transition to longer days. The festival is celebrated with happiness, gratitude, and abundance by the farming communities when they reap the rewards of their constant hard work.
What Is The Significance Of Food In Makar Sankranti?
Since it is a harvest festival, food is the highlight of Makar Sankranti. During this time, freshly harvested food grains are used to prepare delicacies. Region-wise, various delicious recipes are prepared. On this day, the colour yellow holds great significance, which is why people often cook khichdi at home. According to Ayurveda, eating khichdi signals the body to prepare for the seasonal change to Spring. Khichdi is also light and easy to digest.
Makara Chaura is easy to make and delicious.
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How To Make Makara Chaula On Makar Sankranti: Recipe To Make Makara Chaula At Home
Makara Chaula is made with simple ingredients, with raw rice being its star ingredient. This dish has a pudding-like thick consistency and is offered to God as gratitude for their kindness. This pudding offers a blast of many flavours, from fruity to nutty, and is made with minimal effort and easy ingredients from your pantry. Mix spices and top it with chopped fruits to enhance its flavour.
For step-by-step instructions, read the full recipe here.
Bonus tip
You can add chopped sugarcane pieces on top of it. Make sure to consume this Makara Chaula within a day if you don't refrigerate it. If refrigerated, this could be kept for a maximum of 3 days.
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