Why Is Gajak Associated With Winter and Makar Sankranti? The Tradition Explained
04 Sep, 2026
Kolkata, West BengalShow Map
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Description
When winter arrives in India, traditional foods such as sesame sweets, jaggery preparations, peanuts and other seasonal ingredients become especially popular. Among them, gajak holds a special place because of its strong association with winter and festivals such as Makar Sankranti and Lohri.
Gajak is associated with winter and Makar Sankranti because it is traditionally made with ingredients such as sesame and jaggery, which have a long history in India's winter and festival food traditions. Makar Sankranti is celebrated during the winter season and is closely connected with harvest traditions in many parts of India, when til-based sweets are commonly prepared, shared, and gifted.
But the connection between gajak and Makar Sankranti is about more than ingredients. It also reflects regional food traditions, seasonal celebrations, and the custom of sharing sweets during important festivals.
Gajak is associated with winter and Makar Sankranti because it is traditionally made with ingredients such as sesame and jaggery, which have a long history in India's winter and festival food traditions. Makar Sankranti is celebrated during the winter season and is closely connected with harvest traditions in many parts of India, when til-based sweets are commonly prepared, shared, and gifted.
But the connection between gajak and Makar Sankranti is about more than ingredients. It also reflects regional food traditions, seasonal celebrations, and the custom of sharing sweets during important festivals.
Location
Kolkata, West Bengal