Makar Sankranti is an important festival celebrated by the Marathi community living in the United States. Just like in Maharashtra, it is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season and is often celebrated with traditional food and ceremonies.
One of the most popular foods consumed during Makar Sankranti is Til-gul. Til-gul is a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, which is consumed in the form of small balls and is often given as a gift to friends and family. This sweet is a perfect way for members of the community to come together to celebrate the festival. Many people may gather together and prepare a large batch of Til-gul to share with friends and family.
Another traditional food during the festival is Gul Poli which is a sweet roti made with wheat flour, gram flour, and jaggery. It is a traditional delicacy in Maharashtra and is enjoyed with ghee.
In addition to food, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated with traditional ceremonies such as Haldi Kunku. Haldi Kunku is a ritual where turmeric paste and vermilion powder is applied to the hands of married women by their mothers-in-law as a symbol of love and respect. The ceremony is usually performed in the presence of other women in the community and is an important aspect of the celebration. Even though the Marathi community living in the United States may now be away from their homes, the tradition of Haldi Kunku continues to be upheld by Marathi women in the diaspora who gather together to perform the ritual, preserving and maintaining their cultural heritage. Haldi Kunku also provides an occasion for the Marathi women living in the United States to socialize with other members of their community.
At Soul Foods India, we understand the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of traditional Indian foods. This is particularly important for the diaspora community living abroad, who want to keep their traditions alive. That’s why we are dedicated to sourcing Til-gul and Gul Poli directly from Pune, Maharashtra, from reputable providers. By buying these delicacies directly from their place of origin, we can ensure that members of the Marathi community living in the United States have access to the highest quality traditional foods during Makar Sankranti and other festivals.
We also provide a platform where people can buy these delicacies online and get it delivered to them, making it more convenient for them to celebrate the festival. Our mission is to provide a way for people to keep the traditions and culture of their home country alive even when living abroad. If you’re planning a Haldi Kunku ceremony, let us take care of the food by providing authentic Marathi snacks like Batata Wada, Sabudana Wada, Samosa, or a full course meal including Masale Bhat, Batata Bhaji, Basundi.
Makar Sankranti is also celebrated with music and dance, with many communities organizing cultural programs and competitions in various cities across the United States. The festival also brings people together and is an opportunity for the community to strengthen its bond and celebrate their culture and traditions.
In summary, Makar Sankranti is a crucial festival for the Marathi community living in the United States, celebrated with traditional foods and ceremonies. Soul Foods India recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting traditional Indian culture and thus, sources traditional Indian foods like Til-gul and Gul Poli directly from Pune, Maharashtra, making them accessible to the community. They also provide catering services for Haldi Kunku ceremonies, providing traditional snacks and full course meals. They also offer an online platform for buying these delicacies and getting them delivered. By choosing to celebrate Makar Sankranti with Soul Foods India, you are joining in the effort to keep traditional Indian culture alive and well in the diaspora community.