The air might seem to sniff a little grim given the Delhi rape case incident last year (2012) and the mounting tension between India and Pakistan on the borders this year (2013). But wiping out clouds of grim and gloom, everyone seems to be coloured in the jubilant festival spirit of Makar Sankranti today (14 January 2013). The festival which marks the beginning of Indian harvest season, is also regarded as a very auspicious day in India’s over all cultural calendar. Our TV stars though appearing to be very western in their lifestyle are very rooted in desi culture hence they too celebrate this festival with great aplomb. We spoke to a few of them and this is what they had to say... Karan Mehra of Yeh Ristha Kya Kehleta Hai said, “This is one of the biggest festivals in India apart from Diwali as it is celebrated all over albeit with different names (Pongal, Bihu, and Sankranti). I have travelled the length and breadth of our vast nation and hence have seen it with my own eyes. I remember my childhood days in Amritsar flying kites. We celebrate Lohri the night before and fly kites the next day. I also remember my days in Surat where we would gorge on all kinds of yummy food stuff. But as they say nothing beats mom’s homemade grub i.e. halwa. I miss being with family today but can’t help it as I am really busy with Yeh Rishta and Nach Baliye 5.” Gaurav Chopraa who is now anchoring Big Switch (Bindaas) shared, “The real essence of the harvest festival is understood only by the rural people for they are linked to its true essence. We urbanites only use it as an opportunity to meet family and friends. Having said that, we do need a chance to take a fresh look at life after the recent unfortunate events.” Dimple Jhangiani of Amrit Manthan averred, “I love to watch my family fly kites, as our colony is full of ardent kite flyers, but sadly I am not at home today to watch them enjoy. Though last night I made it point to reach home for Lohri. All the women were dressed in rich fancy threads and singing songs. The slight chill in the air made the atmosphere all the more fun. I just love to gorge on the till ke laddos and other sweets.” Aniruddh Dave now seen in Housewife Hai...Sab Jaanti Hai stated, “This festival brings out the vibrant colors of Indian culture. You see people dressing in traditional attire and singing and dancing on folk numbers. The sad part is that we don’t get to see the same in bigger cites. If you really wish to check out Sankranti you should head out to the villages of Punjab and Haryana. In Punjab, the men really get boisterous though and really hit the bottle, can’t blame them though for from tomorrow they will slog for hours in the field.” Angad Hasija lamented the loss of values in all festivals. “I had heard last year certain anti-social elements even harassed women at Lohri functions. I hope the organizers this year have proper security for the women devotees. On the positive side, I really like the all the elaborate poojas which farmers do with their implements.” Finally, Deepika Singh of Diya Aur Baati Hum stated, “I do not know much about Sankranti expect that my family would celebrate Lohri back home in Delhi with pomp. We would all gather around the pious fire, throw the food stuff in the air. We also eat the burnt sugar cane and basically have lots of fun. I am sure people up north must have really enjoyed gathering around the fire as this year has seen a very bitter winter and I hope the nature balances this out by giving out a bumper harvest as our teaming millions need all the rice and food grain that mother earth can throw up.” We wish everyone a very Happy Makar Sankranti!!!