Traditional Foods and Recipes for Hindu Festivals in January 2026
Dear Global Indians on as winter fades and spring approaches, January 2026 brings a wave of cherished harvest festivals that connect us to our roots—no matter where in the world we are. For NRIs living abroad, these celebrations are a beautiful way to stay linked to Indian culture, family traditions, and the joy of community. Lohri on January 13, Makar Sankranti and Pongal on January 14, and Vasant Panchami on January 23 offer perfect opportunities to gather with loved ones, share stories from back home, and recreate authentic flavors in our overseas kitchens.
These festivals honor the sun’s journey, bountiful harvests, and Goddess Saraswati, with traditional foods featuring seasonal ingredients like sesame (til), jaggery (gur), rice, lentils, and vibrant yellow sweets—symbolizing warmth, prosperity, and renewal. In this guide tailored for the NRI community, we dive into the cultural stories, Ayurvedic health benefits, easy-to-make recipes using ingredients available internationally, and tips for celebrating these festivals away from India. Let’s bring the aroma of home to your global abode!
Lohri: January 13, 2026 – Bonfires, Folk Songs, and Warmth for NRIs
Lohri marks the end of winter and is joyously celebrated by Punjabi communities worldwide, from the UK and Canada to the USA and Australia. Even abroad, NRIs light bonfires (or symbolic ones indoors), sing traditional songs, and share sweets to pray for prosperity.
Cultural Story and Significance for the Diaspora
The legend of Dulla Bhatti, a heroic figure who protected girls and fought injustice, inspires Lohri’s spirit of community and gratitude. For NRIs, it’s a reminder of Punjab’s vibrant fields and family gatherings, helping us pass on these tales to the next generation.
Traditional Foods: Rewari, Gajak, and Punjabi Favorites
- Rewari: Sesame-jaggery treats for sweetness and warmth.
- Gajak: Crunchy brittle with nuts.
- Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti: Available with frozen or canned ingredients abroad.
Health Benefits
Sesame and jaggery provide natural heat, iron, and calcium—ideal for cold winters in countries like Canada or the UK.
Easy Recipe: Til Rewari (Adaptable for Overseas Kitchens)
Ingredients (Makes 20-25):
- 1 cup sesame seeds (available at Indian or Middle Eastern stores)
- 1 cup jaggery (substitute with dark brown sugar if needed)
- 1 tsp ghee
- Cardamom powder
Steps:
- Roast sesame seeds until golden.
- Melt ghee and jaggery to one-string consistency.
- Mix in sesame and cardamom quickly.
- Shape into balls while warm.
- Cool and share virtually with family in India!
Perfect for NRI Lohri parties—pair with bhangra music playlists.
Makar Sankranti: January 14, 2026 – Kite-Flying Memories and Harvest Gratitude
Known as Uttarayan in Gujarat, this festival is celebrated by NRIs through kite-flying events in parks (weather permitting) or virtual sessions with relatives back home.
Cultural Story and Significance
Exchanging “til-gul” while saying “speak sweetly” promotes harmony—a value NRIs cherish in multicultural societies.
Traditional Foods: Til Laddoo and Khichdi
- Til Laddoo: Energy-packed sesame balls.
- Khichdi: Simple, comforting one-pot meal.
Health Benefits
Combats winter ailments with warming properties and boosts immunity.
Easy Recipe: Til Laddoo
Ingredients (Makes 15-20):
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 3/4 cup jaggery
- 2 tbsp ghee
- Nuts (optional, like almonds from local stores)
Steps:
- Roast and partially grind sesame.
- Melt jaggery with ghee.
- Mix and shape into laddoos.
Send these to family in India via international couriers for shared joy.
Easy Recipe: Comforting Khichdi
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup moong dal
- Turmeric, cumin, ghee
- Vegetables
Steps:
- Soak and cook in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot (NRI essential!).
- Temper with spices.
A sattvic dish for post-festival detox.
Pongal: January 14, 2026 – Tamil Harvest Thanksgiving for Global Tamils
NRIs from Tamil Nadu in the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond celebrate Pongal with community events, temple visits, and home-cooked feasts.
Cultural Story and Significance
The overflowing pot symbolizes abundance—perfect for NRIs manifesting prosperity abroad.
Traditional Foods: Sakkarai Pongal and Ven Pongal
- Sakkarai Pongal: Sweet version with jaggery.
- Ven Pongal: Savory with pepper.
Health Benefits
Balanced nutrition from rice, dal, and ghee supports digestion.
Easy Recipe: Sakkarai Pongal
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/4 cup moong dal
- 1 cup jaggery
- Milk, ghee, nuts, cardamom
Steps:
- Cook rice-dal in milk (use pressure cooker).
- Add melted jaggery and ghee-fried nuts.
Offer virtually during online family pujas.
Vasant Panchami: January 23, 2026 – Welcoming Spring and Seeking Knowledge
For NRI students and professionals, this day dedicated to Saraswati is ideal for new beginnings—like job hunts or children’s education milestones.
Cultural Story and Significance
Yellow foods honor spring’s bloom, inspiring creativity abroad.
Traditional Foods: Yellow Sweets
- Besan Laddoo: Chickpea flour delights.
- Saffron Kheer: Creamy rice pudding.
Health Benefits
Saffron uplifts mood; besan provides protein.
Easy Recipe: Besan Laddoo
Ingredients (Makes 15):
- 2 cups besan
- 1 cup ghee
- Powdered sugar, nuts
Steps:
- Roast besan in ghee until aromatic.
- Mix in sugar and shape.
Easy Recipe: Saffron Kheer
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 liter milk
- Sugar, saffron, nuts
Steps:
- Simmer rice in milk.
- Add saffron and flavors.
Great for NRI Saraswati Puja at home.
Tips for NRIs Celebrating January Festivals Abroad
- Source ingredients from Indian grocery stores, Amazon, or apps like Instacart.
- Join local Indian associations for community Lohri bonfires or Pongal events.
- Use Zoom for family rituals and sharing prasad.
- Adapt recipes for dietary needs (vegan ghee alternatives).
- Donate to Indian causes or educate kids about these traditions.
These festivals remind us that our culture travels with us. May January 2026 bring prosperity, health, and stronger connections to India for all Global Indians!
