Celebrated with great joy and fervor, the festival of Lohri is associated with worshipping the Hindu god of fire, Lord Agni, and also the harvest of rabi crops. It is a cultural celebration associated with the winter solstice when the day is the shortest and the night is the longest. Lohri is said to mark the end of winter, the onset of spring, and the return of longer days and shorter nights. The festival is just a few days away, as it is observed the night before Maghi, also known as Makar Sankranti, and according to the solar part of the lunisolar Vikrami calendar. So, Lohri typically falls around the same date every year.
One of the most important festivals among Punjabis and Sikhs, Lohri is celebrated with much grandeur and pomp. People dress their best in bright and gorgeous outfits, sing, and dance while celebrating the harvest festival. And just like every other festival, food is an important part of the Lohri celebrations as well. While you may have the sarson ka saag and makki roti ready with other delectable items for a grand meal, have you planned the desserts yet? With the winter season in full swing, there’s nothing better than adding some gur or jaggery to your menu. And to help you do so, we’ve got you sorted with some yummy gur or jaggery dessert recipes that will make your Lohri a decadent affair.
1. Gur Ka Halwa
Think of Indian sweets, and halwa is one of the first to pop into our minds. And when a halwa is so easy to make, who will ever say no? This Gur Ka Halwa is a must-try, traditionally made with semolina, jaggery, and a generous amount of crunchy nuts and doused in ghee.
2. Til Ladoo
Both til, also known as sesame seeds, and jaggery, or gud, are known to be warm, which is why they are popular ingredients in desserts during the winter. These simple ladoos are made by mixing sesame seeds with melted jaggery in saffron-infused milk, perfect to satiate the sweet tooth.
3. Murmura Ladoo
Murmura, or puffed rice, is often eaten in the form of bhel or other savoury delights, but you can also make irresistibly delicious ladoos and can’t help but fall in love with them. All you need are three ingredients: murmura, jaggery, and water. Simply melt the jaggery in water, cook it, and then mix in the murmura.
Happy Lohri!