Ever wondered why the delicious Til-Gud is a significant part of Lohri and Sankranti?

Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Bihu and Pongal mark the harvest season. It is one of the few festivals in India based on the movement of the sun, when the sun moves its journey northwards or Uttarayana and into the zodiac of Capricorn or Makara. These festivals fall in the Winter Season or Shishir, marked by cold weather and dry winds, and just before the days start getting longer, marking the changeover period from Shishir to Basant (spring).

The Ayurveda Shishir Ritucharya or seasonal routine during this late winter period, recommends that we -
·       eat warm, rich, sweet, sour and salty foods which are useful to provide internal warmth, and also immunity-boosting foods during the cold seasonal changes. So its a great time to enjoy winter vegetables and the fresh harvests of the season like Undhiyo, Pongal and Yezhu kari kootu with digestion-improving spices, warming desserts like Moong Dal Halwa, nourishing and energizing sweets made with jaggery and sesame, which is rich in zinc and a must-have to enrich your crowning glory
·       do intense yoga with asanas like Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskars, especially as a mark of respect for the sun, or exercise routine to boost circulation and increase the body heat, followed by pranayama
·       anoint yourself with circulation boosting oils with a daily abhyanga, oil application routine on head and body, to moisturise the skin, nourish your hair and help you get deep comfortable sleep without any aches, pains or stiffness, during the cold and dry months as they prevent vata aggravation. 

Read more about the late-winter self-care routine (Shishir Ritucharya) to give ourselves the best care for the body, mind and soul, in line with the adage that our bodies are like temple of the living God.

So enjoy the season, the festivities and some unique customs during Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Sankranthi, Poush Sankranti, Bihu -

• Lohri or a bonfire on the eve of Sankranti as a community harvest celebration, in Punjab 
• Kite flying to enjoy the sun and the wind-direction changes which mark Uttarayan, in Gujarat
• Haldi-kumkum ceremonies among married women to celebrate prosperity, build a community feeling and pray for the long-life of one's spouse in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan, most often wearing resplendent black sarees (one of those rare days in Indian customs when black is considered auspicious, as a mark of respect for the Sun God)
• 4-day Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu (Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal 

And do not miss eating Til-Gud, Gajak or Revadi, and the delicious Pongal feast of course!

“Til-gud ghyaa aani god-god bola”

What are some of the interesting or most-cherished customs that you follow in your home or have childhood memories of? Do share in the comments below