Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti, all three are harvest festivals of India and are celebrated in different parts of the country. Lohri is celebrated just a day before Makar Sankranti and marks the onset of the harvest festival. Lohri is also said to mark the end of winter months and the start of longer summer days. Makar Sankranti is another harvest festival celebrated a day after Lohri. It marks the first day of the sun’s transit to the Makar Rashi or Capricorn. All three festivals are celebrated over 13th/14th January. The most common offerings around this time are sesame seeds, coconut and jaggery.

Here is a healthy recipe to make for the auspicious day. Just add some sesame seeds or roll some!

Ingredients

For Balls

• 1 cup of dates
• 1 cup of crushed walnuts
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Pinch of sea salt

For coating

• 1 cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

The Mix

• Smash and mix all the ingredients (For balls) in a bowl and make balls.
• Mix shredded coconut and sesame seeds and roll the balls in it.