FT NEWS

Wishing fans and viewers a Shubh Makar Sankranti also known as Maghi are &TV artists Anita Bhabi (Nehha Pendse) and Manmohan Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, Santoshi Maa (Gracy Singh) from Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein, Gudiya (Sarika Bahroliya) from Gudiya Humari Sabhi Pe Bhari and Happu Singh (Yogesh Tripathi) from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. Nehha Pendse shares, “Makar Sankranti takes me back to my childhood days where we often took joy in exchanging sweets with relatives and friends along with saying, ‘til gud ghya god-god bola’. In other words, the ladoo made of sesame and jaggery is believed to bring in sweetness and positivity. Another sweet memory related to this festival is gorging on the freshly made Puran polis by my aaji.” She further adds, “The reason we consume the combination of til, jaggery and gram flour during this festival day to keep the body warm and healthy during winters and brings in good luck. On this occasion, I wish everyone a very happy and blissful Makar Sankranti. May this festival fills everyone’s life with bright and happy moments.” Rohitashv Gour shares, "The year 2020 has been a difficult one and, to begin this year on a happy note where we pray and hope for the safety of our loved ones, I wish everyone a Happy Makara Sakranti! Dedicated to the sun deity, just like every morning, I will offer water to the Surya Devta and proceed to conduct the morning prayer with my family and will lead the pooja this year.” Sarika Bahroliya shares, "Makarsankranti reminds me of my days back in Gwalior when had to wake up early in the morning, take a bath using til ubtan and offer prayers to Suryadev. Post the scrumptious morning meal our lunch would comprise of khichadi and til and peanut ladoos followed by a kite flying competition among all cousins on the terrace. Evenings would end with moong pakoras or as we call in mungoda with green mint and coriander chutney. Here in Mumbai, I try to follow the khichadi tradition and prepare delicious snacks. I wish all of you a very Happy Makar Sankranti." Gracy Singh comments, "Celebrated in different parts of India, the festival of Makar Sankranti is about getting together and welcoming the new season of harvest. For me, this festival also means letting go of the past's unpleasant memories, forgiving people, and starting afresh with the sweetness of jaggery and sesame seeds. I wish everyone to follow this and start with new positivity and energy this Makar Sankranti." Yogesh Tripathi tells us, "In my hometown, we observed Makarsakranti as Khichdi or Kicheri, and it also marked the beginning of the Kumbh Mela. While I enjoy the festival's celebrations, I love the sweet and savoury favourites that I get to binge on like chikki and gajak after the initial fasting. During the festivities, one begins to get homesick as such events are enjoyed best with family. Sabko Makar Sankranti Ki Hardik Shubkamnayein."