Here’s why we eat Khichdi on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a popular harvest festival of the country which is celebrated by worshiping Sun God, flying kites, lighting bonfires and eating several types of dishes. One such popular dish which is associated with Makar Sankranti is Khichdi. This humble one-pot meal is made by combining rice and lentils, along with salt and turmeric. But do you know why Khichdi is synonymous with the festival of Sankranti? Read on to know its mythological and cultural significance, along with types of Khichdi you can make on Makar Sankranti.

It is said that Khichdi was the favourite food of the Hindu god Gorakshnath, a Hindu yogi, saint who was the influential founder of the Nath Hindu monastic movement in India. His idol is also installed in a temple in Gorakhnath, Uttar Pradesh. The deity is served Khichdi made with rice, lentils and haldi on the festival of Makar Sankranti to seek blessings for a prosperous harvest season ahead.

Makar Sankranti is a special harvest festival of the North and is celebrated by preparing several types of dishes. Khichdi is usually made with freshly harvested rice and lentils which makes it a special dish. This signifies the process of life and regeneration, which further indicates the beginning of the new harvest year.

From the basic Moong Dal Khichdi to the Mix Dal Khichdi, there are several Khichdi variants you can try this Makar Sankranti. You can make Sabudana Khichdi by adding some roasted peanuts and coconut pieces for extra flavours. Palak is available in abundance during winters, so just add some palak leaves to the Khichdi to add extra nutrition and give a pretty green colour to it. You can also add veggies of your choice to the Khichdi and customize is as per your taste.

Khichdi is not only tasty but also light on the stomach. The basic combination of rice and dal is easy to digest, making it a superfood for our digestive system. A dollop of ghee on top while serving Khichdi adds more nutrition. It strengthens the immunity and also safeguards your body from minor ailments. Khichdi is a wholesome meal with the perfect balance of nutrients as it provides carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium to your body.