The festival of Lohri has a great significance for the people of Punjab as it marks the harvesting season in the state and end of the winter season. The main event is making of a huge bonfire that is symbolic of the homage to the Sun God for bringing in warmth. Celebrated every year on 13th January, Lohri celebrations are associated with the harvesting of Rabi crops.
Lohri festival has a special significance for agriculturists as it marks the beginning of a new financial year. On this day they clear up the division of the products of land between themselves & the tillers.
Below we have given some traditional foods without which the Lohri festival is incomplete. These foods are normally relished in winters for their ability to keep the body warm.
Lohri festival special recipes
Gajak
Gajak is a sweet made from sesame and sugar or jaggery. Gajak and Chikki are terms that are often used interchangeably for the same snack. Gur or jaggery gajak is more or less the same as gur ki chikki. Safed gajak, which is made of sesame seeds & white sugar is also an important part of the Lohri celebrations.
Til Ka Ladoo
This delicious and traditional winter sweet, made with jaggery and roasted sesame seeds, is one of the most important Lohri delicacy that is enjoyed even much after the festival is over. Til k ladoos has a longer shelf life and are made in huge batches. You can store these ladoos in air-tight containers & consumed throughout winters.
Chikki
Lip-smacking peanut & brittle jaggery chikki is another most favorite Lohri treat. There are many different varieties of chikkis besides the most common groundnut chikki. Dry fruits chikki or Til ki chikki that includes thick nuts like almonds, cashews & pistachios embossed in the sugary base of brittle jaggery.
Roasted Makhana
Makhanas also known as fox seeds or lotus seeds are the new-age superfood. Makhanas are low in cholesterol, fat & sodium. They are an just ideal snack for weight watchers & those suffering from heart disorders. You can roast them in ghee or butter and dust them with pepper or chaat masala.
Rewri
Believe me, this bite-sized sesame and delicate sugar snack are addictive. No one can control themselves after eating one of them as they are so delicious. Rewri together with popcorn & peanuts is two of the top foods that are put in the fire at Lohri festival.
Atta Ladoo
This is yet another delicious Lohri dish that is loved by many people. A rich, whole wheat sweet is normally made in Indian households for different occasions or festivals. Though Atta Ladoo is a very simple recipe with only a few ingredients, its texture & taste are superb! You can easily make these atta ladoos at home.
Krishi Jagran wishes all its readers a very Happy Lohri!!!!
