By Afiur
January 02, 2026
January is a month of harvest festivals and winter delicacies across India. Seasonal ingredients, warming foods and regional traditions come together to create dishes that are eaten mainly during this
Til-gud, made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is a January staple during Makar Sankranti. The sweet is known for its warming properties and symbolises harmony and goodwill.1. Til-Gud, Maharashtra1. Til
Pongal is both a festival and a dish prepared during the Pongal harvest celebrations. Made with newly harvested rice, milk and jaggery, it marks abundance and prosperity in January.2. Pongal, Tamil Na
Undhiyu is a winter delicacy prepared with seasonal vegetables, fenugreek dumplings and spices. It is traditionally eaten during Uttarayan, Gujarat’s kite-flying festival in January.3. Undhiyu, Gujara
Carrot halwa made from fresh winter carrots, milk and ghee is at its best in January. The dish is widely prepared across north India during the cold season.4. Gajar Ka Halwa, North India4. Gajar Ka Ha
Pithe are traditional rice cakes made during harvest festivals in January. They are often filled with jaggery and coconut and steamed or fried.5. Pithe, West Bengal5. Pithe, West BengalImage: CanvaIma
January is peak season for mustard greens, making this iconic Punjabi dish a winter favourite. It is commonly enjoyed with butter, jaggery and white butter.6. Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti, Punjab6
Prepared on Bhogi day, a day before Makar Sankranti, Bhogichi Bhaji is made using fresh winter vegetables and ground peanuts, highlighting seasonal produce.7. Bhogichi Bhaji, Maharashtra7. Bhogichi Bh
Made from jaggery and peanuts or sesame seeds, chikki is widely eaten in January. Different regions prepare variations using local nuts and seeds.8. Chikki, Across India8. Chikki, Across IndiaImage: C
A popular type of pitha, pathishapta is a thin rice crepe filled with jaggery and coconut, traditionally made during January harvest celebrations.9. Pathishapta, West Bengal9. Pathishapta, West Bengal
Ariselu is a festive sweet made from rice flour, jaggery and ghee. Though prepared during multiple festivals, it is widely consumed during January celebrations.10. Ariselu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana1