Lohri is all about delicious food, traditions, dance, and dhamaal. Lohri is celebrated by worshipping the Hindu God of fire, Lord Agni. It also embarks the harvest of rabi crops in Punjab. It is also associated with winter solstice - the day with the shortest day and the longest night. It is said that this day marks the beginning of spring and the return of shorter nights. On this day, people make a bonfire to pay their respects to Lord Agni. People gather around it and celebrate by singing and dancing, enjoying festive food and spreading joy. Lohri is a beautiful way for friends and family to get together and give offerings of food to the holy fire.
To make this celebration more special, we bring to you some yummy Indian snack suggestions…
1.Chikki
Chikki is just like a nut brittle except that it is made with jaggery. It is a popular Indian snack during winter months especially during Lohri and Makar Sakranti. Chikki is generally made with peanuts and jaggery. It can also be gifted in place of chocolates and candy as it is healthier way to satisfy the sweet tooth.
2.Popcorn
Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks of Lohri. It is also offered to the holy fire during Lohri. You can also do many variations with plain popcorn. You can enhance it and add some pizzazz by doing some small tweaks. Here we bring to you delicious ways to flavor popcorn.
3.Til Papdi/Til Patti
Til Papdi or Til Patti is a crunchy and delicious sweet prepared in India for winter festivals. It is basically prepared by caramelizing sesame seeds. It is prepared on festivals like Pongal, Makar Sakranti, Lohri etc. You can also add chopped nuts of your choice according to your liking. Sesame seeds are also very good for health as they are rich in iron and calcium and also help in lowering cholesterol levels. This recipe can be prepared very easily and requires very few ingredients.
4.Spicy chili Peanuts
Traditionally peanuts are also offered to the holy fire. You can add a twist to simple peanuts easily at home by roasting them in spicy chili masala. It is a crowd pleaser and certainly very addictive.
5.Til Laddu
Til Laddus are a traditional winter sweet made with roasted sesame seeds, dry fruits and jaggery. It can also be enjoyed after Lohri is over as they havea longer shelf life and can be stocked. You just have to store them in an air-tight container.
6.Gajar Halwa
Gajar ka Halwa is one of the most cherished and loved Indian desserts. It is prepared with grated carrots, milk, sugar and nuts of your choice. It is a classic Indian sweet and a delight. Here’s a step by step recipe of this delicious goodness for the Lohri celebration.
7.Dry fruits
Dry Fruits like Cashew Nuts, Almonds, Raisins, Apricots, Oil-Free Roasted Nuts, Walnuts, Trail and Fruit Mixes etc are also a healthy, guilt-free and delicious Lohri snack.
8.Spicy Murmure mix
Lohri is incomplete without murmure or moori. It is also traditionally offered to the holy fire. You can also prepare a spicy murmure mix to have as tidbit and satisfy those in-between hunger pangs.
9.Shakkar pare
Shakkar pare are most commonly prepared during the festival time. These are crunchy, sweet and little pieces of heaven. They are basically deep-fried, bite-sized portions of whole-wheat flour covered in delicious sugar syrup.
