5 Healthy, Traditional Makar Sankranti Recipes to Celebrate Uttarayan 2026

Makar Sankranti is not just a festival. For many of us, it’s a feeling. It’s the sound of kites fluttering in the sky, children shouting “Kai Po Che!”, rooftops full of laughter, and plates filled with warm, comforting food. As we step into Uttarayan 2026, the winter sun feels gentler, days grow longer, and our kitchens come alive with traditional recipes made using sesame, jaggery, ghee, and seasonal vegetables.

Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s northward journey, also called Uttarayan, and across India, people celebrate this shift with food that keeps the body warm, nourished, and energetic. In Gujarat, Sankranti means undhiyu, chikki, til ladoos, and endless cups of chai on the terrace. These foods were never random. Our elders chose ingredients that supported digestion, immunity, and strength during winter.

Today, many people want to celebrate festivals in a healthier way, without refined sugar, artificial oils, or overly processed ingredients. That’s exactly what this blog is about.

In this guide, we are sharing 5 healthy, traditional Makar Sankranti recipes for 2026 that:

• Are easy to cook at home
• Use natural, seasonal ingredients
• Are perfect for winter and Uttarayan celebrations
• Keep the authentic taste alive

We also show how cooking with Girveda’s A2 Gir Cow Ghee and Girveda’s Natural Farm Honey brings back the purity and flavour many of us remember from our grandparents’ kitchens.

Whether you’re celebrating on a Gujarati terrace, hosting family at home, or simply craving traditional winter food, these recipes will help you enjoy Sankranti without guilt.

Let’s begin.

1. Healthy Tilgul Ladoo – A Classic Makar Sankranti Sweet

Tilgul ladoo is probably the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Makar Sankranti. In many homes, these ladoos are exchanged with a smile and the saying, “Tilgul ghya, god bola” – eat sweet and speak sweet.

Why Tilgul Is Perfect for Winter

Sesame seeds generate warmth in the body, while jaggery gives instant energy. Together, they help fight winter dryness, joint stiffness, and low immunity. This is why til-based recipes are central to Sankranti.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 cup white sesame seeds (til)
• ½ cup crushed jaggery
• 2 tbsp Girveda A2 Gir Cow Ghee
• 1 tbsp Girveda Natural Farm Honey
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

How to Make

1. Dry roast sesame seeds on a low flame until aromatic. Keep aside.
2. Heat Girveda A2 ghee in a pan and add jaggery. Let it melt gently.
3. Switch off the flame and stir in Girveda honey and cardamom.
4. Add roasted sesame seeds and mix well.
5. While warm, grease your palms lightly and shape into ladoos.

Why Girveda Works Best Here

Girveda’s bilona-made A2 ghee improves digestion and gives a rich aroma without heaviness. The natural farm honey reduces the need for excess jaggery and adds antioxidants.

Tip: Add crushed peanuts or almonds for kids.

Remember eating these ladoos after a long day of kite flying? This version keeps the same taste, just lighter and cleaner.

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2. Traditional Undhiyu – The Heart of Uttarayan in Gujarat

No Uttarayan feast in Gujarat is complete without undhiyu. This slow-cooked mix of winter vegetables is more than a dish - it’s tradition served in a bowl.

Why Undhiyu Is a Winter Superfood

Undhiyu uses seasonal vegetables like surti papdi, purple yam, brinjal, and potatoes. These vegetables are rich in fiber and help balance digestion during winter when we eat heavier foods.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Mixed winter vegetables (papdi, potato, brinjal, yam)
• Fresh coriander, green chilli, garlic (for masala)
• Sesame seeds and coconut
• 3 tbsp Girveda A2 Gir Cow Ghee
• 1 tsp Girveda Turmeric Powder

Cooking Method

1. Prepare green masala using coriander, garlic, coconut, and spices.
2. Stuff masala into vegetables.
3. Layer everything in a heavy-bottom pot.
4. Add ghee on top and cook on low flame until vegetables soften.

Why Use Girveda Ghee

Girveda’s A2 ghee enhances flavour while keeping undhiyu light on the stomach. Unlike refined oils, it supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

Serving Tip: Enjoy with hot puris or bajra Rotla.

This dish tastes like Gujarati winters - warm, filling, and comforting.

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3. Peanut Chikki with a Healthy Twist

Chikki is the most loved Sankranti snack. It’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect to munch on while flying kites.

Health Benefits

Peanuts are rich in protein and healthy fats. Using jaggery and honey instead of refined sugar keeps energy levels steady without sugar crashes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• ¾ cup jaggery
• 1 tbsp Girveda A2 Gir Cow Ghee
• 1 tbsp Girveda Natural Farm Honey

Steps

1. Melt jaggery with ghee on low heat.
2. Add honey and peanuts. Mix quickly.
3. Spread on greased tray and flatten.
4. Cut into pieces once slightly cool.

Girveda Advantage

The ghee prevents sticking and enhances aroma, while honey improves texture and nutrition.

Variation: Replace peanuts with sesame seeds for til chikki.

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4. Puran Poli – Soft, Sweet, and Festive

Puran poli brings comfort like no other festive food. Soft wheat bread filled with jaggery-sweetened chana dal is loved across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Why It’s a Balanced Festive Food

• Protein from dal
• Fiber from whole wheat
• Natural sweetness from jaggery

Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour
• Chana dal
• Jaggery
• 2 tbsp Girveda A2 Gir Cow Ghee
• 1 tsp Girveda Natural Farm Honey

Cooking Steps

1. Cook chana dal and mash with jaggery, ghee, and honey.
2. Prepare soft dough using wheat flour.
3. Stuff filling, roll gently, and cook on tawa with ghee.

Why Girveda Ghee Matters

It gives puran poli that golden colour, softness, and traditional taste while supporting digestion.

Best enjoyed hot after a long Uttarayan day.

5. Sweet Pongal – A Simple Winter Comfort Dish

Though popular in South India, sweet pongal is now made in many Gujarati homes during Sankranti for variety.

Why Pongal Is Easy on the Stomach

Rice and moong dal are gentle, nourishing, and ideal for winter digestion.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rice
• ¼ cup moong dal
• Jaggery
• Cashews
• 3 tbsp Girveda A2 Gir Cow Ghee
• 1 tbsp Girveda Natural Farm Honey

Method

1. Roast rice and dal in ghee.
2. Cook with water until soft.
3. Add melted jaggery and honey.
4. Garnish with cashews fried in ghee.

A beautiful fusion dish for Uttarayan meals.

Conclusion: Celebrate Uttarayan 2026 the Healthy Way

Uttarayan is about joy, warmth, and togetherness. These 5 healthy Makar Sankranti recipes bring tradition and nutrition together, without refined sugar or artificial ingredients. When made with Girveda’s A2 Gir Cow Ghee and Natural Farm Honey, they become even more authentic and wholesome.

Celebrate this winter with mindful eating, happy hearts, and food that truly supports your body.

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Happy Uttarayan 2026! May your kites fly high and your meals feel like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is sesame (til) eaten during Makar Sankranti?

Sesame seeds are eaten during Makar Sankranti because they keep the body warm in winter and support digestion. Til is rich in calcium, healthy fats, and energy, which helps protect joints, skin, and immunity during the cold season. That’s why traditional Sankranti recipes mostly include til and jaggery.

2. Is jaggery healthier than sugar for Makar Sankranti recipes?

Yes, jaggery is healthier than refined sugar. It contains natural minerals like iron and supports digestion. During winter and Uttarayan, jaggery provides steady energy and warmth, making it ideal for traditional Sankranti sweets like tilgul ladoo, chikki, and puran poli.

3. Can A2 Gir Cow Ghee be used for festive cooking?

A2 Gir Cow Ghee is ideal for festive cooking. It enhances taste, improves digestion, and helps absorb nutrients better. Traditional Indian festivals like Makar Sankranti always included desi ghee because it is easier on the stomach and supports overall health when eaten in moderation.

4. Why is Undhiyu considered healthy during Uttarayan?

Undhiyu is made using seasonal winter vegetables that are rich in fiber and nutrients. These vegetables support digestion and provide warmth during winter. When cooked slowly using A2 ghee, undhiyu becomes a balanced and nourishing meal for Uttarayan celebrations.

5. Is honey a good alternative to sugar in Sankranti sweets?

Natural honey is a good alternative when used in small amounts. It adds natural sweetness, antioxidants, and supports immunity. Using honey along with jaggery in Sankranti recipes reduces refined sugar intake and keeps sweets lighter and healthier.

6. What are the best healthy Makar Sankranti recipes for families?

Some of the best healthy Makar Sankranti recipes include tilgul ladoo, peanut chikki, traditional undhiyu, puran poli made with whole wheat, and sweet pongal. These recipes use natural ingredients and are suitable for all age groups when prepared with minimal sugar and good-quality ghee.

7. Can these Makar Sankranti recipes be made at home easily?

Yes, all traditional Sankranti recipes can be made easily at home with simple ingredients. Most recipes require basic kitchen tools and short preparation time. Cooking at home also allows better control over ingredients, making the food healthier and fresher.