Makar Sankranti — The Sweetness of Sesame and Jaggery

The Sweetness of Sesame and Jaggery

The month of January is the month of Sankranti. And when we speak of Sankranti, sesame seeds and jaggery naturally come to mind. It is said that when these two are included in our lives, sweetness follows. Indeed, when the strength inherent in sesame and the strength present in jaggery are absorbed by our body – it gives instant energy, our inner power increases. And when strength increases, enthusiasm grows, making it easier to face any adverse situation—whether physical or mental.

When one possesses true strength, there is no need to behave harshly with anyone. Even if someone acts wrongly toward us, there is no need to quarrel; instead, we can explain matters gently and with sweet words. Often, it is said that a person with power tends to behave badly toward others. But in reality, when power is positive and balanced, such a person behaves well with everyone.

Sesame is a very important and inseparable component of the Ayurvedic kitchen. In recent times, however, the use of sesame has declined considerably. Sankranti serves as a reminder that sesame should be used regularly. During this month, the climate is cold, so the heating nature of sesame does not cause discomfort. Sesame and jaggery are consumed in many forms—laddoos, chikki, gajak, vadi, revdi, poli, and more. These preparations often include ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, sugar, ghee, peanuts, coconut, wheat flour, and others. Let us briefly understand the importance of these ingredients and how they are used.

Sesame (Til)

Sesame is one of the most important plant-based foods and can be used in many ways for the body—cooking, oil massage (abhyanga), application on the skin, as well as for the eyes and nose. Sesame is considered pathya, meaning it is suitable for regular consumption. It improves digestive power and enhances intellect and memory.

• Sesame can be consumed in the form of tilgul (with jaggery). It can also be roasted and added while tempering, preparing khichdi, or making thepla and similar dishes.
• Nowadays, sesame is also used in salad dressings and sweet preparations. Sesame oil is beneficial for cooking. Soaked sesame ground into a paste (kalka) is applied to hair or skin; the same paste, when used in cooking, is known as tahini. Women who experience insufficient menstrual flow may safely consume about a quarter teaspoon of sesame paste in the morning. Regular, moderate consumption of tilgul can also be beneficial in such cases.
• Sesame is a natural antioxidant and is rich in vitamins A and K. It also contains magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron.
• Because sesame is heating in nature, individuals with a dominant pitta constitution should avoid excessive consumption.

Jaggery (Gul)

Today, many varieties of jaggery are available in the market. Here, we refer specifically to jaggery made from sugarcane. Jaggery is excellent for the body. According to Ayurveda, old and well-prepared jaggery is especially beneficial. Improperly prepared or very fresh jaggery, however, can create various imbalances in the body, particularly worms and kapha-related disorders.

Jaggery is unctuous and light, improves digestion, cleanses the stomach, urine, and bowels, enhances appetite, supports heart health, pacifies pitta and vata, and reduces fatigue. One of its important benefits is its role in reducing panduroga (anemia). It also helps reduce various infections associated with diabetes (prameha).

In cooking, jaggery is often preferred over sugar. Both sugar and jaggery are considered beneficial for health. Khandasari (well-refined, clean sugar) is regarded as especially good. Rather than debating whether jaggery or sugar is better, it is advisable to use either according to the recipe. Gajak can be prepared with either jaggery or sugar. During winter, the body can tolerate a higher intake of jaggery because of its heating nature, whereas sugar is cooling. Therefore, individuals with a pitta constitution should avoid consuming jaggery in excess.

Many commercially available sweets today are prepared using chemical glucose syrup, which should be completely avoided. Preparing tilgul at home using good-quality jaggery or sugar is far more desirable.

Saffron (Kesar)

Saffron is an important spice in Indian tradition. It has a bitter and pungent taste and is unctuous in nature. Saffron pacifies all three doshas. It helps enhance vitality, strength, and intellect. It is described as varnya—improving complexion and radiance—while also cleansing wounds and reducing worms. Consuming saffron supports digestion.

Traditionally, saffron is taken with milk. This helps enhance vitality, reduce depression, and regulate the menstrual cycle. For this reason, Shreeguru Dr. Balaji Tambe strongly advocated the regular consumption of Santulan Amrutsharkara–based Panchamrut. In Indian tradition, as well as in many other cultures, saffron is used in numerous sweet preparations.

Because saffron is expensive, the practice of using artificial yellow color in its place has become common. Such colors are harmful to the skin and nerves. Therefore, even if used in small quantities, it is always preferable to use real saffron.

Peanuts (Groundnuts)

Peanuts create dryness in the body, help reduce pitta imbalance, and enhance appetite. However, they may not suit everyone and can cause abdominal pain or the formation of ama (toxins) in some individuals. Peanuts contain vitamins E and K, along with phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, and provide ample fats and proteins. When consumed along with sesame and ghee, their benefits increase. Excessive intake should be avoided. Cold-pressed peanut oil is excellent for cooking.

Dry Coconut

Dry coconut helps increase strength and vitality and improves appetite. However, it is heavy to digest and may cause constipation in some people, so excessive use should be avoided. When used in sesame vadi, its natural sweetness and cooling quality help balance the preparation.

Wheat and Ghee

Wheat and ghee are excellent for increasing vitality and strength and are also ideal ingredients for nourishing preparations.

Overall, when these ingredients are used appropriately to build strength and maintain health during winter, physical vitality and mental enthusiasm are naturally sustained. Then, the phrase “tilgul ghya, god god bola” (“take sesame and jaggery, speak sweetly”) will not remain just a saying—people will naturally begin to speak sweetly on their own.