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6 Min
08/01/2026
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is not just about flying kites. It is also about eating well while spending the whole day outdoors. Families gather on terraces from morning till evening, and food keeps everyone warm and energised. Dishes like Undhiyu and Jalebi-Fafda are an important part of this day. This article breaks down dishes for you if you are attending a kite festival in Gujarat, and you absolutely cannot miss them. Dive deeper to know more.
Makar Sankranti in Gujarat is a long, busy day. People wake up early, step onto their rooftops, and stay there for hours, watching the sky fill with colourful kites. The weather is cool, the wind is strong, and there is constant movement in the skies. An important part of this celebration is also the food, which is cooked especially during winter, to suit the winter weather conditions. The food is warm, filling, and can be easily eaten throughout the day while flying kites, and enjoying the colourful sky filled with kites! These foods are not any fancy recipes but everyday food that offers comfort, energy and keeps the festive spirit alive while sticking to the seasonal foods. Read this article to know about the classic Gujarati dishes like undhiyu, jalebi-fafda that define the festival of Makar Sankranti and also offer comfort and warmth for winter!
Undhiyu is one of the most famous and beloved winter dishes made in Gujarat. It does not miss the Makar Sankranti table as well. Undhiyu is a slow-cooked mix of winter vegetables like purple yams, brinjals, potatoes, and fresh beans, along with small fenugreek dumplings. This dish is special because most of its vegetables are only available in winter. It is cooked only in winters and Sankranti is a perfect occasion for it. Undhiyu is rich, slightly oily, and filling, making it perfect for a day spent outdoors in the cold. It can be paired with bajra roti or pooris for a filling meal that keeps you warm and energised for the festive season.
Jalebi-Fafda is usually the first thing people eat on Sankranti morning. Hot, crisp fafda is paired with fresh jalebis, along with papaya salad and fried green chillies. This combination gives quick energy. The fafda is savoury and crunchy, while the jalebi adds sweetness. Together, they help people stay active through the busiest part of kite flying, especially in the morning when the wind is strongest.
Sankranti food in Gujarat is made with rooftop eating in mind. Dishes like Undhiyu stay warm for a long time and can be eaten slowly. Jalebi-Fafda is easy to grab and eat between kite battles. People eat standing, sitting on the floor, or leaning against parapet walls. The food fits easily into this relaxed, outdoor setting.
Along with Undhiyu and Jalebi-Fafda, homes usually have chikki made from peanuts or sesame. These are small, sweet bites that people snack on throughout the day. Til-based sweets are common because sesame helps keep the body warm in winter. Later in the day, lighter foods like kadhi or khichdi may be served to balance out the rich dishes eaten earlier.
If you are visiting Gujarat for Sankranti, make sure you eat Undhiyu as a proper meal and not just a small taste. Try Jalebi-Fafda early in the morning when it is fresh and hot. Keep some chikki or til sweets nearby for quick energy while flying kites. Eating at the right time is part of the experience, just like choosing the right kite string.
Even today, Sankranti food in Gujarat follows old habits that still make sense. The dishes suit the weather, the season, and the way the day is spent. As Makar Sankranti 2026 approaches, Undhiyu and Jalebi-Fafda remain at the centre of the celebration, reminding people that good festival food is simple, seasonal, and shared.
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