Makar Sankranti, known by many names, kicks off the Hindu new year with vibrant festivities. As first-generation immigrants in the US, my husband and I are on a mission to recreate the joyous spirit of India for our kids, sharing our rich cultural traditions—and, of course, the mouthwatering food—across borders.
It makes my heart skip a beat when I see that same twinkle in my children’s eyes when they talk about our traditions, especially the sweets. But then, like clockwork, comes the dreaded “Why?” Why do we follow these customs? Why do we eat sesame and jaggery instead of candy?
This Makar Sankranti, when the kids asked why tilgul (sesame and jaggery) instead of regular treats, I whipped up a few answers for both my curious pre-Ker and my savvy teenager:
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Sweet beginnings: Tilgul marks a sweet new year, just like how candy pops up on other holidays.
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Warmth in winter: Sesame and jaggery are natural warmers, perfect for those chilly days.
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Healthy treat: Unlike candy, tilgul is packed with nutrients, making it the smarter snack for winter.
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Sharing goodwill: Exchanging tilgul spreads sweetness and strengthens friendships.
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Connection to nature: Sesame, harvested at this time, celebrates nature’s gifts and farmers’ hard work.
By highlighting tilgul’s deeper meaning, I helped the kids see it’s not just candy’s cousin—it’s a tradition rooted in culture, nature, and community.
But let’s be real—sometimes facts alone don’t do the trick. That’s where the fun factor kicks in! Kite flying, anyone? A classic Makar Sankranti tradition, flying kites gets everyone outdoors for a dose of Vitamin D and fresh air (plus it helps with that dry winter skin). It’s the perfect family bonding activity and a chance to connect with neighbors. So, we get the nutritious tilgul and all the outdoor fun in one package—what’s not to love?