Sun Jan 12 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Regional Delights Highlight Makar Sankranti Celebrations Across India

**NEW DELHI** – Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated across India, is marked by diverse customs and, most notably, a rich array of regional delicacies. This year, families will once again gather to enjoy traditional dishes unique to their states.

From the ubiquitous *gajak* (a sesame-based sweet) popular in Madhya Pradesh (particularly Muréna), to the *dahi-chura* (yogurt and flattened rice) enjoyed in Bihar and Jharkhand, the culinary landscape varies widely. Uttar Pradesh and other states celebrate with *khichdi* (rice and lentil porridge), sometimes referred to as the “Khichdi festival.”

Southern India offers its own unique contributions. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana savor *appalalu*, a fried sweet made from wheat and rice flour with jaggery. Gujarat’s *undhiyu*, a mixed vegetable dish served with flatbreads, showcases seasonal ingredients.

Further north, Uttarakhand’s *ghughutiya* – sweet treats made from flour and jaggery in various shapes – and Maharashtra’s *puran poli* (sweet flatbread filled with a lentil and jaggery mixture) add to the festive spread. Odisha’s *makara chola* (a sweet rice pudding with coconut, jaggery, and other ingredients) offers a creamy delight. Rajasthan’s *pheeni* (a rice-based kheer) and Tamil Nadu’s *murukku* (savory, deep-fried spirals) add to the diverse culinary tapestry.

West Bengal’s *pitha* (a dumpling filled with coconut and served in a sweet rice pudding called *payesh*) and Assam’s *khandoh* (a dish made from fried rice, yogurt, jaggery, and other ingredients) showcase the regional nuances of this celebration. Punjab’s sugarcane juice kheer, served with roasted dry fruits, offers a refreshing end to the feast. The diversity in food reflects the vibrant cultural mosaic of India, making Makar Sankranti a truly special occasion.

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