Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of God Surya and will be celebrated on 14th-15th January. The day also marks the transition of the sun from Dhanu Raashi to Makar Raashi. People fly kites on this day and seek blessings from Surya God. A crucial part of the festival is associated with the usage, consumption, and donation of til or sesame seeds.
When we are talking about Makar Sankranti, we must talk about sesame seeds as they are co-related not just scientifically and mythologically. Not just til is consumed but also, given away as a ‘daan’. This is because til is considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Til is also believed to be a medicine for nourishing the body and promoting overall health. Thus, it is believed to bring good luck, good health, and prosperity.
Another reason why til is considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti is that it is associated with Surya God. As per Hindy mythology, Surya is considered a source of life and energy whereas til is considered to be a source of solar energy. Thus, consuming til is a way of seeking blessing from Surya God. Hindu Mythology also says that God Yama blessed the sesame seeds and regarded them as the symbol of immortality. It is also believed that the sesame seed originated from the drops of sweat that trickled from God Vishnu and fell on earth.
Donating black sesame seeds is considered ‘Mahadaan’ on Makar Sankranti as it is believed that it removes all negativity from life. In Hindu households, devotes take some black sesame seeds, and rice and offer it to Surya God. Later, the offering is donated to the temple. You didn’t know this, did you?
So now that you have learned why til is donated on Makar Sankranti, let us give you a quick recipe of til gud ladoo that you can relish. Here you go!!