Makar Sankranti and the Ghughutiya Festival: A Colorful Celebration in Kumaon

Makar Sankranti, celebrated annually on January 14, marks the sun’s transition from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn. This significant Hindu festival is observed across India with various regional variations, including Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Ghughutiya in Uttarakhand. In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the festival takes on a unique flavor with the celebration of Ghughutiya, which coincides with the Uttarayani Mela in Bageshwar district.

Ghughutiya Festival: A Cultural Highlight

The Ghughutiya festival, also known as “Kale Kauwa” or “Black Crow,” is a distinctive celebration held on the eve of Makar Sankranti. This regional festivity is marked by the preparation and offering of a special sweet delicacy called “Ghughute.” The name “Ghughutiya” pays homage to a legend involving a crow, which is central to the festival’s traditions.

Traditions and Celebrations

On the morning of Makar Sankranti, children in Kumaon don garlands made of Ghughute, which are sweetmeats crafted from a mixture of wheat flour and jaggery. These sweets are deep-fried in ghee or oil until golden brown, then strung together with oranges and popcorns to create vibrant necklaces. Children wear these garlands and sing traditional songs to attract crows and other migratory birds returning from their winter sojourn in the plains.

The chant, “Kale Kauwa Kale, Ghughuti Mala Khale” (O black crow, eat this garland made of Ghughute), is sung as children offer portions of the garlands to the crows. The act of feeding the crows is believed to bring good luck, and the leftovers are enjoyed by the children themselves.

The Legend Behind the Festival

The Ghughutiya festival is steeped in legend. According to tradition, a king once had a minister named Ghughutiya who plotted to assassinate him. A crow, however, alerted the king to the minister’s treachery, saving his life. In gratitude, the king ordered his subjects to prepare sweets and offer them to the crows, leading to the origin of the Ghughutiya festival.

Recipe for Ghughute

To join in the celebration and make your own Ghughute, here is a traditional recipe:

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour: 2 cups
• Water: 1 cup
• Grated jaggery: 1 ½ cups
• Sesame seeds: ¼ cup
• Fennel seeds: 2 tbsp
• Crushed black pepper: A pinch
• Himalayan pink salt: A pinch
• Oil or ghee: 1 tbsp (plus additional for frying)

Method:

1. Heat water in a pan and dissolve the grated jaggery. Add crushed black pepper and Himalayan pink salt. Cook until the jaggery is fully melted.
2. Strain the jaggery water and let it cool completely.
3. In a food processor, combine the whole wheat flour, sesame seeds, and fennel seeds. Gradually add the cooled jaggery water and knead into a dough.
4. Mix in a little oil to the dough.
5. Take small portions of dough, roll them out, and cut into various shapes. Deep-fry these shapes in hot oil or ghee until they are golden brown.

The Ghughutiya festival and its customs offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Kumaon. By participating in these traditions, you not only celebrate a vibrant regional festival but also connect with the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.