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Celebrate Makar Sankranti with These Ayurvedic Recipes 

Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival celebrated across India, marks the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac. It is widely known for its cultural richness, kite flying, bonfires, and traditional delicacies. Not only known for its cultural significance but it is also known for its health benefits. Ayurvedic principles emphasize the balance of bodily energies, and Makar Sankranti, with its focus on seasonal changes and traditional foods, aligns perfectly with these practices. By incorporating Ayurvedic elements into your Makar Sankranti celebrations, you can promote better digestion, boost immunity, and support overall well-being. 

Here are some Ayurvedic recipes to make your celebration both delicious and nourishing. 

1. Til Gur Ladoos (Sesame and Jaggery Balls) 

A quintessential Makar Sankranti treat, til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) ladoos are a powerhouse of energy. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, while jaggery is a natural sweetener loaded with minerals. In Ayurveda, sesame is known to generate warmth, making it ideal for the winter season. These ingredients also act as a natural herbal supplement to support digestion and metabolism. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup sesame seeds 

• 1 cup grated jaggery 

• 2 tbsp ghee 

Method: 

1. Dry roast sesame seeds until they turn light golden. 

2. Melt jaggery in a pan with ghee until it reaches a sticky consistency. 

3. Mix the sesame seeds with the jaggery and quickly shape the mixture into small balls before it hardens. 

2. Khichdi with Ghee and Spices 

Khichdi is a traditional dish prepared during Makar Sankranti in many parts of India. This simple yet wholesome dish can be enriched with Ayurvedic spices to enhance digestion and boost immunity. Turmeric, a key ingredient, is celebrated in Ayurveda as a natural medicine for digestion and inflammation. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup rice 

• 1/2 cup split moong dal 

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

• 2 tbsp ghee 

• Salt to taste 

Method: 

1. Wash the rice and dal thoroughly. 

2. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté until aromatic. 

3. Add rice, dal, turmeric, and salt along with 4 cups of water. 

4. Cook on low heat until the mixture reaches a porridge-like consistency. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee. 

3. Ginger-Tulsi Herbal Tea 

Keep warm and refreshed with a cup of ginger-Tulsi tea, an Ayurvedic beverage perfect for combating winter chills and boosting immunity. Ginger is renowned in Ayurveda for its digestive health benefits, while Tulsi acts as a herbal supplement to support respiratory health. 

Ingredients: 

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated 

• 5-6 Tulsi (holy basil) leaves 

• 1 tsp honey 

• 2 cups water 

Method: 

1. Boil water with grated ginger and Tulsi leaves. 

2. Simmer for 5 minutes, strain, and add honey before serving. 

4. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk) 

End your day with a soothing cup of turmeric milk. This Ayurvedic elixir strengthens immunity, promotes restful sleep, and acts as a medicine for digestion. The combination of turmeric and black pepper enhances its bioavailability, ensuring you reap the maximum health benefits. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup milk (low-fat milk or cow's milk) 

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

• A pinch of black pepper 

Method: 

1. Heat the milk with turmeric and black pepper. 

2. Remove from heat and add mishri. 

3. Serve warm. 

Conclusion 

This Makar Sankranti, indulge in the joy of traditions while embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda. These recipes not only celebrate the flavours of the festival but also ensure a balance of health and taste. By incorporating these Ayurvedic dishes, which double as natural herbal supplements, into your festive spread, you can enjoy the health benefits of better digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Celebrate a wholesome and delightful Sankranti with your loved ones.