Good food and kite flying lined up for Sankranti fest

JAIPUR: Kite flying remains one of the biggest attractions of Makar Sankranti. But, for Jaipurites, gorging on exclusive Sankranti delicacies, buying gifts for relatives and spending the day with family and friends are also a must on the festival day.
"It's a very busy day for us. We, along with other cousins, get together at our parental house and celebrate the auspicious day.Poush bada and gajar ka halwa are a must at every Sankranti. Later in the evening, all of us gather on the terrace and fly kites," said Garima Shrivastava, head of department, Mass Communications at ICG.
Big fat family gathering seems a must in everyone's list of to-do things on Sankranti. "Though I am not fond of buying gifts, but my parents would drag me to shopping malls to buy gifts for our relatives. This time, all my cousins would come over for a lunch at our place," said Krati, a student of visual arts at a private university in Jaipur.
And it's no longer just the mothers who would spend the entire day cooking meals in the kitchen. Youngsters plan to help out their parents with preparations of delicacies. "The elder ones help in the kitchen, while the younger ones serve the food. Once it's done, all of us fly kites till evening," added Krati.
Working professionals too, have their own plans for the day. "Though we don't get an off on Sankranti, nonetheless, special delicacies and sweets are made on the occasion. We also feast on gazak, rewdi on the day," said Archana Kalra, employed with a private sector organisation in Tonk.
Twenty-three-year old Abhimanyu Chakravorty, an engineer, has similar plans to celebrate the festival. "I make it a point to come a little early during festivals. Also since my mother is a great cook, she would have surely made some special dishes. So, all of us would enjoy a nice dinner," said Chakravorty.
While some prefer to spend the day with family, some Jaipurites plan to celebrate the day by helping others.
"Our young volunteers would work along with the people for animals group at Ramniwas Garden throughout the day. They will administer first aid to injured birds and animals," said Meenakshi Bhanj Deo, director, Pravah, an NGO.