Lohri, Uruka, Pongal, Makar Sankranti: Celebrations in Mumbai start today

The city is all set for a festive weekend with Lohri, Uruka, Pongal and Makar Sankranti. Mostly celebrated as winter festivals, Lohri is on Wednesday, Uruka (Bhogali Bihu eve celebrated by the Assamese) is on Thursday while Makar Sankrati and Pongal is on January 15.

On Monday, Punjab Cultural Heritage Board lit the bonfire but the real celebrations are in Gurudwara Kalgidhar Sabha in Dahisar. "We will create a feel of a mela like it was 50 years ago in Punjab. There will be bonfire and 2,000 people will be invited. We will have sarso saag, makki roti, chole-kulche and live counters for milk and jalebi," said Kawal Nain Singh, member of the Sabha.

Each of these are celebrated as harvest festival. "On Uruka, the celebrations start. Delicaies are made on the days of Uruka and Bhogali Bihu, which will be celebrated on January 14 and 15," said Firdaus Ali, an Assamese who lives in Malad.

Delicacies like narikolor ladoo and til pitha are among the snacks that will be prepared. "Like me, many others try to take out time to go to Assam Bhavan on Bihu day or other places where we can meet people from our state," added Ali.

Makar Sankranti, on the other hand, see preparations of a different kind. "Some of us try to fly kites while a few others go to Gujarat for the kite festival," said Sambit Shah, resident of Walkeshwar.