Pongal / Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India in varied forms and festivities. This is an indicator of the Sun moving to the Makara, marking the end of Dakshinaayana and the start of Uttaraayana. The Sun moves from the Southernmost point to the Northernmost point. It also marks the beginning of the Harvest Season.People perform puja of the Sun God and offer many sweets and savouries, like Pongal, Vada, Kheer and many others.
In many parts of India, people celebrate this festival by flying kites.In the south, people offer Sweet Pongal during puja to Lord Surya. Here is a traditional Sweet Pongal Recipe for everyone to relish during Sankranti.
Ingredients:
1 cup Rice
1/4 cup Chana Dal
1-1/2 cup jaggery
2 cups Milk
2 cups Water
For Seasoning:
2 tbsps Ghee
Raisins
Cashews
Almonds
Cardamom
Preparation:
Roast the rice and chana dal separately just till they are hot, not brown. Now boil the milk and water. Once the milk starts bubbling, add the roasted rice and dal and let them cook. In a separate pan, melt the jaggery in half a cup of water till it reaches one string consistency. When the rice and dal are cooked to a porridge like consistency, add this jaggery mixture and switch off the stove. Do not light the stove and cook once you add the jaggery mixture, as the pongal will curdle. (Jaggery and milk when cooked, curdle). Mix all the contents in your vessel, till they blend. In a seasoning spoon, add ghee. Once it melts, add the cashews,almonds, raisins and elaichi. Add this seasoning to the prepared Pongal and serve.
We usually prepare the Pongal in a traditional pot called Vengala Paanai (Bronze Pot). And the fun part is, when the milk bubbles and overflows, everyone starts screaming “Pongal O Pongal”. Try shouting it out and enjoy your delicious Pongal on Sankranti!