Makar Sankranti traditions highlight the nutritional benefits of pairing sesame seeds (til) with jaggery (gur) for winter strength. Sesame, cultivated for over 5,000 years in the subcontinent, offers plant-based protein, healthy fats, and minerals crucial for energy and bone health during colder months when digestion slows. Gur provides carbohydrates and minerals. This combination, found in foods like til laddoos, offers sustained energy and supports the body's needs throughout winter and beyond, reflecting ancient wisdom on seasonal eating.