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Why is Tilgul given on Makar Sankranti?

Tilgul, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is exchanged during Makar Sankranti for its symbolism of goodwill, warmth, and nutrition, connecting the festival to harvest and sun worship.

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Srushti Pathak
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Tilgul

Makar Sankranti is the day you will hear people say “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” to each other! The festival, celebrated on January 14th this year, marks the day when the sun transitions into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The festival, observed with immense joy across India, holds particular cultural significance in Maharashtra. One of the highlights of this celebration is the exchange of tilgul, a sweet treat made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur). But why are these ingredients so central to the festival? Let’s explore the cultural, symbolic, and nutritional reasons behind the tradition of giving tilgul on Makar Sankranti.

Symbol of Unity and Goodwill

Tilgul

A key custom during Makar Sankranti is the exchange of tilgul among friends and family. This exchange is accompanied by the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola”, which translates to “Take tilgul and speak sweet words”. This phrase carries a dual meaning. First, it suggests that just as til (sesame) and gul (jaggery) are sweet, so should our words be towards others. The act of offering these sweets promotes goodwill and strengthens relationships, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit during the festive season.

A Gesture of Purity and Protection

The combination of sesame seeds and jaggery carries deep-rooted symbolic significance. Sesame seeds are believed to have purifying properties, and in many traditions, they are considered to cleanse the body and spirit. On the other hand, jaggery, with its natural sweetness, is associated with a pure heart and positive energy. Consuming tilgul is thought to purify one’s body and mind, helping to ward off evil forces while inviting good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Nutritional Benefits to Fight the Cold

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the winter months, and the foods consumed during this time are carefully chosen for their warming qualities. Sesame seeds, rich in healthy fats, are known to provide warmth to the body, making them an ideal winter food. Jaggery, on the other hand, is packed with iron and other minerals, which are beneficial in combating the effects of the cold weather. Together, sesame and jaggery help boost the immune system and maintain energy levels during the chilly winter days.

Additionally, sesame seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to stronger bones, improved skin health, and better hair quality. Jaggery aids digestion and purifies the blood, making this sweet combination not just tasty but also highly beneficial for overall health.

A Harvest Festival Connection

Makar Sankranti is primarily a harvest festival, marking the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s northward journey. The festival is linked with the bounty of the harvest, and both sesame seeds and jaggery are agricultural products that are in season at this time. By consuming tilgul, people celebrate the abundance of the harvest and the prosperity it brings. The foods also serve as offerings to honour the hard work of farmers and to give thanks for a good crop.

Tilgul

The Sun and its Symbolism

The festival’s connection with the sun is significant. Makar Sankranti marks the day the sun enters Capricorn, symbolising the beginning of longer days. In some beliefs, sesame seeds are linked with the sun due to their small, round shape, resembling the sun’s rays. The sun is worshipped as a deity of vitality, and it is believed that consuming sesame seeds during Makar Sankranti can help infuse the body with positive energy, purifying both the body and the soul.

A Rich Tradition of Sweets

The tradition of making sweets with til and gur has been passed down through generations, with many families preparing an array of delightful treats during the festival. Tilgul laddoos, til poli (a type of stuffed flatbread), chikki, gajak, and tilkut are some of the most popular sweets made at home. These sweets are typically stored and shared with friends, relatives, and neighbours, making the festival even more enjoyable.

Til Poli or Gul Poli, a traditional Maharashtrian dish, stands out during Makar Sankranti. It is made by stuffing a dough made of whole wheat flour with a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery before it is rolled out into a flatbread. This combination of savoury and sweet flavours encapsulates the essence of the festival.

A Link to Mythological Beliefs

The presence of sesame seeds in ancient Indian texts adds to the mystique of tilgul. According to some legends, sesame seeds were blessed by Yama, the God of Death, and were believed to grant immortality. This connection makes sesame seeds, and by extension tilgul, a sacred food, particularly for Makar Sankranti, a time when death and rebirth are symbolically honoured.

Makar Sankranti is a time for celebration, unity, and renewal. The exchange of tilgul plays a central role in spreading sweetness, both literally and metaphorically, among people. The symbolic meanings tied to sesame seeds and jaggery—purification, warmth, nutrition, and protection—are why these ingredients are so cherished during the festival. Whether it’s through a simple sweet treat or a traditional dish like til poli, tilgul continues to be a vital part of the festival, bringing families together while keeping ancient customs alive.

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