Makar Sankranti marks a powerful seasonal transition in India, symbolizing the Sun’s movement into Capricorn and the beginning of longer, brighter days. While this festival is celebrated across the country in many forms, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh observe Makar Sankranti as the sacred and cultural “Khichdi Festival.” and the wholesome khichdi recipe on this day is to die for. Deeply rooted in devotion, community bonding, and seasonal eating, Khichdi on Makar Sankranti reflects the soul of North Indian tradition.
The Significance of Khichdi on Makar Sankranti with an auspicious khichdi recipe
Khichdi Parv, the name wholesomely given to the observance of Makar Sankranti in Bihar and UP or Uttar Pradesh and some other areas of North India as well. On this day, a holy khichdi recipe is there and the khichdi is prepared as a holy offering or bhog and after being offered to God it is shared with family members, neighbors and the needy. The dish represents simplicity, nourishment, nostalgia and balance and aligns perfectly with the spiritual tone of the festival.
Khichdi the dish is said to cleanse and purify the body and mind and boosts immunity during winter, and if it is had on this auspicious day it will bring prosperity and well-being during Uttarayan or new Solar placement. The Khichdi recipe for this auspicious day may be different in different areas, but they all speak home and holy.
Its humble ingredients which are mainly rice, lentils, ghee and seasonal vegetables in unison with the sides like chokha, papad, achar, dahi, bachka, kachri are symbolic of unity and harmony.
Khichdi Festival in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, especially in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and also areas of Eastern UP, the Khichdi Festival has strong religious sacred importance.
Prayagraj Khichdi Tradition
At the holy Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj (earlier known as Allahabad), thousands of devotees gather on this day to take a sacred dip in holy rivers on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. After this holy bath, khichdi is offered to Surya Dev or the Sun God and donated to sadhu or saints and the poor.
During Kumbh and Magh Mela years, Khichdi Parv becomes a grand spiritual event. At this time of the year Magh Mela can be observed and the scenario there is a must watch and an once in a lifetime experience.
Varanasi or Banaras Temple Offerings
In Varanasi, holy khichdi prepared with heartfelt khichdi recipe is offered first to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. In many households khichdi is prepared early in the morning and distributed as prasad which reinforces the idea of charity and gratitude.
Khichdi Festival in Bihar
In Bihar, Makar Sankranti is incomplete without dahi chura, khichdi and tilkut (sesame sweets). The festival reflects both the importance of seasonal harvest, agricultural importance and family bonding.
Home Rituals & Community Sharing
Families wake up early, bathe and prepare khichdi recipe using freshly harvested rice and dal or lentils mainly moong and masoor dal. The dish is first offered to deities and ancestors before being eaten. Sharing khichdi on this day with neighbors is considered auspicious and strengthens social ties.
In rural Bihar, the festival celebrates the end of winter harvest and honors farmers for their selfless hard work which provides us with food and grains throughout the year.
Bihar & UP Style Khichdi Recipe: What Makes It Special?
Though khichdi recipe is one thing which is consumed across India, the Bihar–UP version of Khichdi recipe has its own identity.
Ingredients
- Rice (usually local variety arwa chawal or usna chawal)
- Yellow moong dal and masoor dal
- Ghee (essential)
- Boiled Potatoes or uble aloo for chokha
- Tomato, hari mirch (green chilli), cumin powder or jeera powder and gur or jaggery for tomato chutney or tamatar ki chutney
- Turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander leaves
- Seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, peas, carrots (optional)
- Papad (either moong or urad)
- Dahi or curd for side dish
- Stuffed mirchi achar, aam ka achar, mirch ka achar or any other pickle as per your liking
Cooking Style
- The ratio of dal to rice should be 2:1.
- Soak dal and rice in different containers after washing for atleast an hour before cooking.
- On this day people generally slow cook the khichdi and do not pressure cook it.
- Swithch on the flame and put on the patila on the stove.
- Put 2-3 tea spoons of ghee. after it heats up a little put in the jeera and wait for it to crackle.
- Then put in the chopped seasonal vegetables like cauliflower (Phool Gobhi), peas (matar) and carrots (gajar).
- Saute them for a while.
- After 3-4 minutes, put in the soaked dal and rice.
- Saute it for3-4 minutes.
- Then put in the spices like 1 tea spoon dhaniya powder, 1 tea spoon red chilli powder, a little jeera powder, 1/2 tea spoon haldi or turmeric and salt and saute them.
- After the spices are mixed well, do put in double or triple the amount of water in proportion to the rice and dal as per the consistency of khichdi you like.
- Garnish with sliced ginger and dhaniya patti or fresh coriander leaves.
- The khichdi is slow-cooked, mildly spiced, and generously topped with ghee. Unlike modern versions, this khichdi recipe focuses on purity and simplicity, making it ideal for religious observance.
Traditional Side Dishes Served with this auspicious Khichdi recipe
A true Makar Sankranti khichdi meal in Bihar and UP includes:
- Chokha or Bharta (roasted brinjal, tomato, potato)
- Papad
- Tamatar ki khatti meethi chutney
- Pickles
- Til ke laddoo or tilkut
- Fresh curd or dahi
These sides along with the traditionally prepared khichdi recipe enhance the taste while maintaining the sattvic (pure) nature of the meal.
Spiritual Meaning Behind Khichdi Parv
Khichdi Parv is not just about food it is about gratitude, humility, and balance. The act of donating khichdi symbolizes letting go of ego and embracing equality. Since khichdi is eaten by both the rich and the poor, it reinforces the idea that faith unites everyone.
The festival also aligns with Ayurveda, encouraging warm, easily digestible food during winter’s peak.
Conclusion
The Khichdi Festival of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh beautifully blends faith, food, and culture on Makar Sankranti with the traditional soulful khichdi recipe. More than a culinary tradition, it is a celebration of life’s simplicity and seasonal harmony. As the Sun begins its northward journey, khichdi reminds us to start the new cycle with gratitude, generosity and grounded living.
Today, the Khichdi Festival continues to thrive both traditionally and digitally. Cities organize community khichdi feasts, temples host annadan programs, and families share festive moments on social media keeping the tradition alive for younger generations.
Despite modernization, the essence remains unchanged: simple food, pure devotion and shared joy.
Whether enjoyed at a holy ghat, a village courtyard, or a modern home, khichdi on Makar Sankranti continues to nourish both body and soul.
Nice! I am going to try this.