While the cold winter winds enfold the Earth, the festive cheer of Lohri and Makar Sankranti fills our hearts’ warmth. It not only ushers the harvest season but indeed is celebrated with a lot of oomph-good food and good company all strung together. After all in a country like this, what festivals would be complete without a steaming cup of traditional chai from a chaaywaala on a chilly winter’s day?
Significance of Lohri And Makar Sankranti
Punjab and other states in north India and Pakistan take in Lohri as the most important and biggest celebrated festival of the state. The sugarcane and winter grain harvest culmination, it is a chance to light great bonfires, sing traditional songs, and welcome by eating gur, rewaris, and groundnuts.
Makar Sankranti, therefore, observed throughout India marks the great day on which the sun traverses from Sagittarius to Capricorn and the sun would cease its southern mounting. In Gujarat, kites are flown; in Maharashtra, jaggery and sesame sweets are distributed. These are the days when everyone does. After all, no form of festivity is complete without spreading that warmth, laughter, and of course, another cup of chai!
Chai – The Perfect Companion For Winter Festivities
The winter season brings with it a craving for warm beverages. Among all, traditional chai holds a special place in Indian households. Its robust flavor, combined with the warmth of spices, not only soothes the soul but also offers health benefits like improved digestion and boosted immunity.
Whether you’re huddled around the Lohri bonfire or relaxing after a round of kite-flying during Makar Sankranti, a steaming cup of chai is the best tea for the winter season to keep you cozy.
Traditional Chai Recipes For Lohri and Makar Sankranti
Recipe 1: Masala Chai
A classic favorite, masala chai is infused with spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1-inch ginger (crushed)
- 3-4 cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- Sugar to taste
Instructions:
* Strain into cups and sweeten to taste.
* Boil water with all the spices until aromatic.
* Add tea leaves and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
* Pour in milk and let it simmer.
Recipe 2: Gur (Jaggery) Chai
A healthier alternative, gur chai replaces sugar with jaggery, offering a rich and earthy sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 1 small piece of jaggery (adjust sweetness)
- 1-inch ginger (crushed)
Instructions:
* Strain and serve warm.
* Boil water with ginger.
* Add tea leaves and simmer.
* Mix in milk and jaggery until dissolved.
Recipe 3: Saffron and Almond Chai (Kesar Badam Chai)
Perfect for festive indulgence, this chai blends the richness of almonds and saffron.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp black tea leaves
- 8-10 almonds (soaked and finely chopped)
- A few saffron strands
- Sugar to taste
Instructions:
* Strain and enjoy the luxurious flavors.
* Heat water with saffron strands until it turns golden.
* Add tea leaves and simmer.
* Stir in milk, almonds, and sugar.
Pairing Chai With Traditional Festival Sweets
Pair your traditional chai with Lohri’s classic treats like gajak, peanuts, and gur ki rewari, or complement Makar Sankranti’s tilgul laddoos and puran poli. The robust flavors of masala chai contrast beautifully with the nutty sweetness of these delights, while gur chai enhances the earthy notes of jaggery-based sweets.
For a touch of elegance, enjoy kesar badam chai with rich desserts like gajar ka halwa or kheer.
Why Maharani Chai Is the Perfect Choice for Festive Celebrations
If you are looking for a truly unique chai, try Maharani Chai. Apart from its best clandestinely and richer flairs, Maharani Chai is offered with the best tea leaves having the most handed down warmth of spices. Ideal for festivities where each sip ensures a small celebration.
Final Words
This festive season, make your Lohri festival celebration and Makar Sankranti celebration more special with the timeless charm of traditional chai. Gather your loved ones, brew these delightful recipes, and savor the joy of togetherness. Cheers to chai and celebrations!