A Joyous Celebration of Tradition, Togetherness, and Festivities!

On January 19, 2025, Aapli Marathi Shala hosted a grand Makar Sankranti Kite Flying Festival, bringing together kids, parents, and community members for a vibrant celebration of our rich traditions. The enthusiasm was infectious, as families gathered to fly kites, engage in festive activities, and enjoy a day filled with fun, laughter, and cultural bonding.

Kite Flying – A Festive Start!

The sky was painted with colorful kites as kids and parents enthusiastically participated in the event. Some kids proudly flew the kites they had created themselves, while others brought beautifully designed store-bought kites. Parents and volunteers helped the younger kids in learning how to fly their kites, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of joy and teamwork. It was a delight to see the excitement on their faces as kites soared high in the sky! You can get glimpse of the Kite flying fest by watching below video.

Tilgul & Games – Embracing the Spirit of Makar Sankranti

Following our Maharashtrian tradition, Shala volunteers distributed sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud) to all parents and kids, reinforcing the festive sentiment of ‘तीळ गूळ घ्या आणि गोड गोड बोला.!’. Our volunteers also organized engaging games and activities, making the event even more lively. With music playing in the background, children and parents alike enjoyed every moment, strengthening bonds within our wonderful community.

Khichdi Potluck – A Taste of Tradition

After an exciting morning of kite flying and games, it was time to gather for a community potluck. This year, we kept the potluck simple yet meaningful, focusing on Khichdi, a dish deeply connected to the harvest festival.

Khichdi is not just a meal—it is a symbol of gratitude for the new harvest and prosperity for the year ahead. Its preparation varies across different regions of Maharashtra, with distinct styles like Khandeshi, Varhadi, and Vidarbha khichdi, each adding its own unique touch to the celebration. Families were encouraged to bring enough Khichdi for their family and a little extra to share, embracing the essence of sharing and caring.

A Day to Remember

The entire Shala-organized event was a perfect blend of learning, enjoyment, and cultural celebration. The combination of kite flying, games, music, traditional sweets, and a warm meal brought everyone together in a memorable way. It was a day of fun, tradition, and community bonding, and we are incredibly grateful for all the parents, kids, and volunteers who participated and made this event a grand success!

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support! Let’s continue celebrating our beautiful traditions and passing them on to our next generation.

– Aapli Marathi Shala and Community