Makar Sankranti means transition of sun to Makar rashi. Litterally Sankranti means movement. Its is the festival of "God Sun", a arrival of spring in India & also marks traditional event.

In Sankranti , different types of sweets like Tilgul (in Maharashtra), Gajak (in Punjab), Chikkis (in Gujrath), Tilkut (in Bihar, Jharkhand), Ellu-Bella (in Karnatak), Pongal (in tamilnadu) are consumed. Interestingly main ingredients of most of these sweets are Sesame seeds & Jaggery.

It alleviates Vata and normalises Pitta and Kapha in our body, keeping us healthy.( Vata, Pitta & Kapha are three Doshas/Life forces of our body.) According to Ayurveda illness arises when these doshas, are out of balance).
Sesame also improves digestive power, is good for teeth and improves immunity power . It is Medhya (improves intelligence) and Keshya (promotes Hair growth). As it is rich in Vit E, improves quality of skin. Seasame oil massage is also adviced in winter season. It moisturises dry skin and strengthens the bones, muscles and joints.

Jaggery used in sweet is also hot in nature and is a rich source of Iron. It stimulates digestive power and alleviates Kapha Dosha in our body.it helps in blood purification and helps in Respiratory tract infections. It is healthy substitute for sugar.

Happy Makar Sankranti !