The Celestial Shift: From Darkness to Light

Makara Sankranthi is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of the Sun’s cosmic journey. In Indian astrology, this day marks the Sun’s entry into Makara Rashi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn). More importantly, it signals the start of Uttarayana—the Sun’s six-month northward journey.

As the Sun alters its direction, we witness the symbolic victory of light over darkness. The biting chill of winter begins to recede, making way for longer, warmer days in the Northern Hemisphere. For many, this transition is a sacred opportunity to worship Surya, the Sun God, expressing gratitude for the life-sustaining energy that fuels our world.

A Pan-Indian Tapestry

While the astronomical event is universal, the celebrations are beautifully diverse. Across India, the festival takes on local colors and names:

• In the north, particularly Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri with vibrant bonfires.
• In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, a four-day harvest extravaganza.
• In Karnataka, it is the season of Yellu Bella, where the focus turns to community and traditions.

The Heart of Karnataka: Yellu Berodu

In the southern state of India, Karnataka, the festival is defined by the tradition of “Yellu Berodu” (distribution of traditional preparation). The air fills with the exchange of a simple yet profound greeting:

“Yellu Bella Thindu Olle Mathadi” (Eat sesame and jaggery, and speak only sweet words.)

This isn’t just a polite saying; it is a social contract. By sharing sweets, we resolve to leave behind the “saltiness” of past grievances and start the new cycle with kindness.

The Legacy of Skill and Patience

My fondest memories of the season involve the week of preparation leading up to the festival. My mother would begin the meticulous process of making Sakkare Acchu—intricate sugar candy figurines. Using traditional wooden molds, she would boil sugar syrup to the perfect consistency, pouring it into shapes of birds, temples, and flowers. This careful, patient process was a common sight in homes across the state, a beautiful blend of culinary skill and ancestral tradition.

The Wisdom of the Plate: Nutritional Significance

The ingredients of the traditional Yellu Bella mix aren’t accidental; they are a masterclass in seasonal nutrition. Winter can strip the body of moisture, leaving the skin dry and energy levels low.

• Sesame Seeds (Yellu): Packed with healthy fats and oils to nourish the skin from within.
• Jaggery (Bella): Provides an immediate and sustained energy boost to combat winter lethargy.
• Peanuts & Fried Gram: A powerhouse of protein and minerals to strengthen the body.

The Traditional Yellu Bella Recipe

This nutritious mixture is easy to prepare and can be stored for up to a month. Here is the video for the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup White Sesame seeds (lightly toasted)
• 1 cup Jaggery (cut into small, uniform cubes)
• 1 cup Peanuts (lightly roasted and skinned)
• 1 cup Dry Coconut / Copra (outer brown skin removed, cut into small cubes)
• 1 cup Fried Gram (Hurigadale)

Method: Simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Ensure that the jaggery and coconut are diced to the size of the peanuts for a consistent texture in every bite. Share it with friends and family along with pieces of fresh sugarcane and bananas or any available fruit of your choice.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Makara Sankranthi 2026!

Related posts:

India Clinches Asia Cup Hockey 2025, Secures Spot in FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 New Delhi’s Toxic Air: A Silent Emergency Threatening Millions Indian Scientists Track Complex Solar Storm from Sun to Earth Governor Wes Moore Calls Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller a “Human Diwali” at Maryland’s Diwali Celebration