Why Til, Jaggery and Khichdi Are Donated on Makar Sankranti
Ananya Mishra | Wed, 14 Jan 2026
Makar Sankranti is a sacred festival that marks gratitude, renewal, and devotion to Surya Dev. Donating food items on this day is believed to bring positivity, warmth, and spiritual balance. From sesame seeds to jaggery and khichdi, every offering carries deep meaning. These simple acts of charity reflect kindness, faith, and the importance of sharing during the winter season.
Makar Sankranti Donations
Image credit : AI
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days in Hindu Calendar. It is a day devotees celebrate with pure hearts and gratefulness. Charity is a major tradition in Makar Sankranti. Each thing that is donated has a significant value.
Til or sesame seeds are the most important offerings in Makar Sankranti. It is believed that these tiny seeds are capable of performing spiritual cleansing and keeping away bad energies. During the morning ritual, people offer til or sweets made from sesame seeds to Surya Dev.
![Jaggery]()
Jaggery or gur represents the sweetness and warmth that this festival brings. Sweets like gur til laddus, peanut chikkis or muri laddoos are prepared and offered during rituals. They are also shared among relatives and donated.
![Khichdi]()
Khichdi is offered to Surya Dev and donated to the needy as well. It is a simple, wholesome, hearty and healthy dish that is enjoyed by Indians throughout the year. It represents love and gratefulness for food. In many traditions Gayatri Mantra is chanted while donating khichdi.
Sugar and sugarcane are a harvest crop that are offered to Surya Dev. It represents the strength of the Sun God. Sweets made from sugar or sugarcane are donated to welcome strength, power and positivity.
On the day of Makar Sankranti, families get up early, take a bath and pray to Surya Dev for blessings. These simple offerings represent positivity, strength and the warmth that is needed in cold months
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Til (Sesame Seeds)
Jaggery (Gur)
Jaggery
Image credit : Freepik
Jaggery or gur represents the sweetness and warmth that this festival brings. Sweets like gur til laddus, peanut chikkis or muri laddoos are prepared and offered during rituals. They are also shared among relatives and donated.
Khichdi
Khichdi
Image credit : Freepik
Khichdi is offered to Surya Dev and donated to the needy as well. It is a simple, wholesome, hearty and healthy dish that is enjoyed by Indians throughout the year. It represents love and gratefulness for food. In many traditions Gayatri Mantra is chanted while donating khichdi.
Sugarcane and Sugar
On the day of Makar Sankranti, families get up early, take a bath and pray to Surya Dev for blessings. These simple offerings represent positivity, strength and the warmth that is needed in cold months
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is donation important on Makar Sankranti?
Donations on Makar Sankranti are believed to remove negativity, bring spiritual merit and spread warmth and kindness during winter. - What are the most auspicious items to donate on Makar Sankranti?
Sesame seeds, jaggery, khichdi, sugar, sugarcane, grains, clothes and warm food are considered highly auspicious. - Can food donation be done at home on Makar Sankranti?
Yes, food can be donated from home to the needy, temples or community kitchens after morning prayers.
