Makara Sankranti (Sankramana) is celebrated in the month of Magha when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. It marks the harvest festival and is celebrated across India under different names.
On this auspicious day, people in Karnataka distribute Ellu Bella to family and friends. This traditional mix contains jaggery, sesame seeds, peanuts, dried coconut, and fried gram, along with Sakarare Aachu.
The traditional greeting is:
“Ellu bella thindu, Olle Maathadi”
(ಎಳ್ಳು ಬೆಲ್ಲ ತಿಂದು, ಒಳ್ಳೆ ಮಾತಾಡಿ)
In Maharashtra, people greet each other saying:
“Til gul ghya, goad goad bola”
(Eat sesame seeds and speak sweetly.)
Ellu Bella Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup copra (dried coconut)
- 1 cup hurigadale (fried gram)
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup finely chopped jaggery
- ½ cup white sesame seeds (ellu / til)
Method
- Dry roast the sesame seeds until golden and keep aside.
- Roast hurigadale and keep aside.
- Roast peanuts, remove skin, and split into halves.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
In the evening, children are seated while a mixture of Ellu Bella, berries (Elchi Hannu / ಎಲಚಿ ಹಣ್ಣು), sugarcane pieces, and coins are gently poured over their heads, followed by an aarti.
This beautiful tradition symbolizes the belief that sweetness should prevail in all walks of life.
May the sun radiate peace, prosperity, and happiness in our lives.
Happy Sankranti!! 🌞
