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Uttarayan, celebrated primarily in Gujarat, is one of India’s most vibrant and eagerly awaited festivals. Observed on January 14th every year, this astronomical event is associated with renewed energy, prosperity, and a fresh start.
The festival is synonymous with kite flying, as the skies transform into a coloruful spectacle of kites of various shapes, sizes, and designs. People gather on rooftops, engaging in friendly kite battles, shouting “Kai Po Che!” when they cut an opponent’s kite. The atmosphere is filled with joy, music, and laughter.
While Uttarayan is celebrated grandly in Gujarat, it is known as Makar Sankranti across the rest of India. In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri with bonfires, folk songs, and dances. In Tamil Nadu, it’s called Pongal, featuring the preparation of a sweet rice dish. In Maharashtra, people exchange tilgul (sesame-jaggery sweets) with the phrase "Tilgul ghya, god god bola." In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, families decorate homes with rangoli and enjoy festive dishes. Each region celebrates uniquely, reflecting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
In Gujarat, Uttarayan is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of life, togetherness, and nature. It brings communities closer as they unite to enjoy the simple pleasures of flying kites, sharing meals, and welcoming the sun’s new journey. The festival’s joyous spirit truly captures the essence of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.
Video Credit: Bhavna's Kitchen & Living
Food plays a central role in Uttarayan celebrations. Traditional delicacies are enjoyed with family and friends. These dishes, often made with seasonal ingredients, reflect the warmth and richness of Gujarati culture.
Gujarati cuisine during Uttarayan reflects the region’s love for seasonal, wholesome, and flavourful foods. The festival is incomplete without a mix of sweet and savoury dishes that provide energy for the day-long kite-flying activities. The use of jaggery, sesame seeds, and seasonal produce not only enhances the flavours but also aligns with the winter season's nutritional needs.
These seven traditional dishes embody the joy and warmth of Uttarayan, making the celebration even more special. Whether preparing a festive spread or enjoying these festive meals while flying kites, these dishes will add flavour and nostalgia to the occasion.
Undhiyu
A quintessential Uttarayan dish, Undhiyu is a mixed vegetable curry cooked with seasonal vegetables like surti papdi (flat beans), yam, raw banana, and potatoes. The vegetables are slow-cooked with a flavourful blend of spices, green garlic, and coconut. Often paired with puris or rotis, Undhiyu is a labour-intensive dish that truly captures the essence of Gujarati cuisine.
Jalebi
Crispy, golden, and syrupy, Jalebi is a favourite sweet treat during Uttarayan. Made from fermented batter, these spirals are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth dessert. Served hot, jalebis are often enjoyed with a contrasting savoury dish like fafda.
Fafda
A crunchy snack made from gram flour, Fafda is another staple during Uttarayan. The dough is flavoured with carom seeds and turmeric rolled into thin strips and deep-fried. Fafda pairs wonderfully with jalebi, creating a sweet and savory combination that is iconic in Gujarati households.
Sesame Chikki (Til Chikki)
Til chikki is a brittle sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, a must-have during Uttarayan. Sesame seeds are roasted and combined with molten jaggery to form crunchy squares or bars. Rich in iron and calcium, til chikki not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides warmth and energy during the winter festival.
Khichdo
Khichdo is a sweet, comforting dish made from broken wheat, milk, ghee, and jaggery. Cooked to a creamy consistency, it is flavoured with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits. This dish is often prepared as an offering to the gods and enjoyed with family during the festival.
Ponk Vadas
Ponk, or tender green jowar (sorghum), is a seasonal delicacy in Gujarat. Ponk vadas are fritters made by mixing ponk with spices and gram flour, then deep-frying them to perfection. These crispy, flavorful vadas are best enjoyed with green chutney or a cup of hot chai.
Lapsi
Lapsi is a traditional Gujarati dessert made from broken wheat, ghee, and jaggery. This wholesome dish is slow-cooked to achieve a rich, caramelized flavor and is often garnished with nuts and raisins. Lapsi holds a special place in festive meals, symbolising prosperity and sweetness in life.
