food and the body

Why is sesame seed used so extensively in Hindu death rites and winter rituals?

Sesame seed, called til, is used in rituals for the dead and in winter because the tradition sees it as purifying, protective, and warming. It appears in offerings to ancestors and in winter sweets.

In rituals for the dead

Sesame seed plays a central role in shraddha and pitru tarpana, the rituals through which families honor and offer food to their ancestors. Water mixed with sesame is poured as an offering. The tradition holds that sesame is purifying and has the power to protect against harm and impurity. In the context of death rites, this purifying quality is seen as helping the soul and the living family move through a difficult time. The seed is also believed to carry strength and nourishment to those who have passed.

In winter rituals and sweets

Sesame appears widely in winter festivals and rituals, most notably in Makar Sankranti, when people exchange til-gul, sweets made from sesame and jaggery. The tradition sees sesame as warming and nourishing, qualities that matter in the cold months. Beyond the ritual meaning, til-gul is shared as a gesture of goodwill and togetherness. The warmth of the seed fits the season and the idea of bringing people together.

What dharma texts say

Old dharma texts describe sesame as a seed with special protective and purifying powers. This is why it appears not only in death rites but also in other rituals meant to ward off harm or bring blessing. The texts treat it as a substance that carries spiritual weight, not just food value.

What Ayurveda says

Ayurveda describes sesame as warming and nourishing to the body. This aligns with its use in winter foods and sweets. The tradition sees it as good for the skin and bones, and as grounding. These qualities fit both the season and the idea of stability and care that appears in rituals.

Today

Families continue to use sesame in shraddha and in winter sweets, whether they live near their home community or far away. The practice carries both spiritual meaning and cultural memory. For many, til-gul at Makar Sankranti is a moment of connection to the season and to family tradition, while sesame in death rites remains a way to honor those who have passed.

How we write. We describe what the tradition holds, drawing on its texts and customs in general terms. We do not give religious, medical, or dietary advice, and we note plainly where there is no scientific evidence. Reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.