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