We all know that Makar Sankranti is a traditional festival of India. It is customary things to distribute something to someone on Makar Sankranti day. So many people think that gifting something to someone on the day of Makar Sankranti is considered very auspicious. On Makar Sankranti, it’s traditional to give various items that hold cultural significance. Here’s a list of things often given during the festival:
1. Sesame and Jaggery Sweets (Tilgul)
- Tilgul Ladoos: These are sweet balls made from sesame seeds and jaggery. Giving these symbolizes spreading sweetness and fostering goodwill.
2. Sugarcane
- Whole sugarcane stalks are often given as a symbol of a good harvest and prosperity.
3. Haldi Kumkum
- In some regions, especially in Maharashtra, women organize Haldi Kumkum ceremonies where they distribute turmeric and vermillion (haldi and kumkum) along with small gifts like bangles, or sweets.
4. Chikki
- This sweet, made from jaggery and peanuts or sesame seeds, is a popular gift during Makar Sankranti.
5. Ellu Bella Mixture
- In Karnataka, a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts is given along with sugar candies, symbolizing unity and happiness.
6. Clothes
- It’s common to gift new clothes, especially to family members, as a token of love and blessings.
7. Pots and Household Items
- In some regions, gifting small household items like pots, utensils, or even blankets is customary, particularly to married women.
8. Tilkut
- This sweet made from sesame seeds and sugar or jaggery is often given in regions like Bihar and Jharkhand.
9. Money
- It’s also traditional to give money as a gift, especially to children, as a blessing for prosperity.
10. Puffed Rice (Kurmura or Murmura)
- Puffed rice is sometimes distributed along with jaggery as a part of the festive offerings.
These things distribute are symbolic of sharing and spreading joy, reflecting the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti.