Lokmat Sakhis light up Makar Sankranti fair; Haldi–Kumkum ceremony dazzles

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The sweetness of the Makar Sankranti festival, the traditional charm of the Haldi–kumkum ceremony and the flair of modern fashion came together in a vibrant confluence as enthusiasm overflowed among the Sakhis. The occasion was the Makar Sankranti fair organised by Lokmat Sakhi, presented by Indriya Jewels by the Aditya Birla Group. Laughter echoed with witty Ukhanas such as “Pudhchya Janmi Ambanich Hava…”, while confident Sakhis walked the ramp wearing black sarees adorned with halwa-inspired jewellery, lighting up the Lokmat Bhavan premises. The event, held in association with Dr A. A. Qadri’s Mental Health Centre, showcased a unique celebration of tradition along with women’s artistic talents.

The two-day festival, organised on February 6 and 7 at Lokmat Bhavan, featured a series of competitions. In the Haldi–Kumkum Queen contest, Sakhis dressed in red and yellow sarees impressed with their grace on the ramp, while the Sankranti Queen competition saw women in black sarees enhancing the beauty of the occasion. Beyond beauty, participants also demonstrated their talent in solo dance and traditional Ukhana competitions. Gift partner Prem Dulhan manager Pankaj Yewale and Maple Leaf director Khushi Sharma were present on the occasion.

Sankrant Queen

First: Rinku Kolhe, Deepali Udawant

Second: Tanuja Chauthe, Bageshree Rahatkar

Third: Diya Sharma, Rajshree Gudekar

Consolation: Bhavna Soni, Pallavi Shete, Swati Ghodke, Jyoti Yadav

Judges: Manjusha Kachkure, Shivani Khedkar

Haldi–Kumkum Queen

First: Poonam / Pooja, Prajakta / Sarika

Second: Ashwini / Bharti, Rajlaxmi / Dipali

Third: Jyoti / Triveni, Shobha Sarika

Consolation: Neeta / Geeta, Aarti Jayashree, Sulochana / Kamal, Rashmi / Pooja

Solo Dance

First: Jyotsna Jadhav, Aasavari Waghmare

Second: Manmeet Dhage, Manisha Rathod

Third: Sunanda Sonawane, Archana Jadhav

Consolation: Shraddha Panbude, Jayashree Mithawala, Nirmala Mehendarge, Renuka Jadhav

Judges: Priyanka Saoji, Shubhangi Kulkarni, Neelambari Vanagujar

Ukhana Competition Winners

First: Kalpana Parikh, Prajakta Patil

Second: Smita Devale, Tara Kunte

Third: Smita Jivankar, Shobha Ingle

Consolation: Mangala Sawant, Anita Bange, Jyoti Avcharmal, Ashumati Geete

Judges: Meena Popalghat, Monali Bhoyar, Archana Pandit, Asha Jadhav

Prize distribution by Indriya Jewels

Prizes for first winners of the Ukhana, Sankranti Queen and dance competitions held on February 7 were presented by Bhagyashali Dahiwal, store manager, Indriya Jewels.

Caption: 1. Contestants of the Sankranti Queen competition.

2. Prizes being presented to dance competition winners by Bhagyashali Dahiwal, store manager, Indriya Jewels.

3. The Sankranti fair received an overwhelming response from Sakhis.

4. Contestants of the Haldi-Kumkum Queen competition