By Ujjainee Roy
January 8, 2023
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Tilgul is a traditional sweet delicacy made during the festival of Makar Sankranti. It's made with roasted sesame seeds which are blended with melted jaggery and rolled into small balls. Here's why these delectable dessert is significant to the harvest festival
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Til or sesame seeds is considered auspicious and is celebrated during the festival of Makar Sankranti. In some cultures, when people exchange tilgul, it is customary to say, "Tilgul ghya, god bola," which translates to "Savour tilgul and speak sweet words."
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Offering and accepting tilgul is considered a sign of respect and good intentions. It is a gesture of acknowledging the value and significance of relationships in one's life.
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Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signifying the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The exchange of tilgul is seen as an auspicious way to begin the new phase of the year, bringing positive energy and good fortune.
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Sesame seeds are nutritionally rich, containing essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.It's blended with gur, wich is a natural sweetener rich in iron and other minerals.
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In some regions, tilgul is also offered to deities as part of traditional rituals during Makar Sankranti. The sweet offering is made to seek blessings for a prosperous and harmonious year
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Sesame seeds, the main ingredient in tilgul, are associated with the winter harvest. As Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival in many parts of India, tilgul represents the celebration of the abundance of crops and the gratitude for a successful harvest season.
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