For Madhavi Somane, this Makar Sankranti will be her third after marriage and she is as excited as she had been when newlywed. While the last two years in her new home were really special, this time around she has planned an elaborate affair, which she says will be a three-day celebration, with her family. “I will have a haldi kumkum ceremony and will also distribute small beautiful mirrors while exchanging gifts. I am decorating my house with small clouds and kites wall hangings,” she shares. Being one to make the most of festivals, the entertainment professional will also be making traditional sweets such as tilgul laddoos (laddoos made from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery) and a special menu of Maharashtrian food for dinner.

The last two years affected by waves of Covid-19 have brought about shifts in how people celebrate festivals. Now that the pandemic has become a part of our lives, many are finding joy in the smaller things. Every year, Makar Sankranti is celebrated in mid-January. Known by different names around the country, Mumbaikars are making the most of their family time by following tradition and dressing up in their best, feasting on tilgul laddoos and even flying kites. 

Madhavi Somane (right) explains newly-married women dress in black saris and ornaments made of sugar which is called 'tilachi wadi'. Photo: Madhavi Somane

Somane explains the traditional rituals of the three days, says, “The celebration on the first day is known as ‘bhogi’, we worship the Sun god and eat 'bhogichi bhaji' which is a mixture of white sesame seeds, desiccated coconut and mixed vegetables, with bajra rotis.”