As temperatures soar and the sun enters Aries during Mesh Sankranti, the people of northern India gather to celebrate the seasonal festival of Satuan—a time-honoured occasion that blends age-old rituals with refreshing nourishment. At the centre of the celebrations this year is the beloved summer drink that transcends generations—sattu buttermilk, served in both sweet and salty forms.
Observed mainly in Bihar Jharkhand Madhya Pradesh and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the two-day Satuan festival reflects a deep connection to nature and traditional agrarian life. The first day honours the Sun and the fresh harvest while the second day known as Dhurlekh celebrates the sacred role of water. In regions like Mithila the arrival of freshly ground sattu or roasted gram flour marks the beginning of summer culinary delights.
Families offer sattu to the deities as a sacred prasad before sharing it among loved ones. Alongside other regional delicacies the creamy cool sattu buttermilk is a mainstay on the festive menu. Whether you’re celebrating the spiritual essence of Satuan or simply searching for a nutritious thirst-quencher sattu buttermilk is your go-to summer drink.
How to Make Sweet Sattu Buttermilk:
Ingredients: 1/3 cup fresh curd 1.5 tbsp chana sattu 1 tbsp jaggery powder 1/4 tsp cardamom powder 1 pinch nutmeg powder 1 pinch black pepper powder 3/4 cup cold water
Method: Blend curd sattu jaggery cardamom nutmeg black pepper and water until frothy. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cardamom or saffron strands for a festive touch.
How to Make Salty Sattu Buttermilk (Namkeen Version):
Ingredients: 1/3 cup curd 1.5 tbsp chana sattu 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black salt 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder 1/4 tsp amchoor powder a pinch of black pepper fresh mint leaves
Method: Blend all ingredients with water until smooth. For an authentic desi feel serve in a traditional clay cup chilled.
These wholesome hydrating drinks not only cool the body during peak summer but also reflect the deep-rooted cultural practices of India’s agricultural heartlands. As the sun blazes overhead sattu buttermilk serves as a refreshing symbol of nourishment tradition and seasonal wellness.
