Til-Gud & Tradition: Capturing the Warm, Nutty Aromas of Makar Sankranti
As the calendar turns toward mid-January, the air in India changes. The harshness of early winter begins to soften, the days grow slightly longer, and the sky becomes a canvas for thousands of colorful kites. This is Makar Sankranti, a festival of transition, harvest, and warmth.
While we celebrate with kites and traditional wear, the true soul of this festival lies in its aromas. It is the scent of roasted sesame, melting jaggery, and the sun-warmed earth. At Arome, we believe in capturing these cultural milestones through the lens of perfumery.
The Scent of the Harvest
Makar Sankranti is essentially a "Solar" festival, celebrating the sun's journey into the Northern Hemisphere. In perfumery, we represent this through Solar Notes scents that evoke the feeling of warm skin and bright light.
But the most iconic aroma of the season is Til-Gud (Sesame and Jaggery). This combination is a "Gourmand" lover's dream.
- Sesame & Nuts: In fine fragrance, we use notes of Tonka Bean and Vetiver to recreate that toasted, nutty, and slightly smoky aroma. It provides an earthy foundation that feels both festive and grounding.
- Jaggery & Sweetness: We look for Vanilla, Benzoin, and Honey notes to capture that deep, unrefined sweetness that defines the treats of Sankranti.
Creating a "Solar" Atmosphere
Sankranti is also a time of being outdoors on terraces and in fields. To capture this, we look for "open-air" notes:
- Saffron: Often called "liquid sunlight," saffron provides a spicy, golden warmth that feels inherently auspicious.
- Dry Woods: Cedarwood and Sandalwood mimic the scent of the dry harvest stalks and the wooden reels of the kites.
How to Wear the Festival
This season, move away from the heavy "night" scents of the party season and embrace something more "Golden." A Spicy-Gourmand attar is the perfect choice for a Sankranti gathering. It’s a scent that feels like a celebration of the earth’s bounty and the returning warmth of the sun.
As you share the traditional greeting, "Til-gud ghya, god god bola" (Eat til-gud and speak sweetly), let your fragrance be just as sweet and inviting.
