Hadaga Festival

Hadaga festival marks Uttarayana(travel towards north pole) of the sun. On this day, people eat Tilachya Vadya(sesame seeds cake). In Maharashtra people decorate their houses with 'Rangoli'. They eat food prepared from sesame seeds and jaggery. There is a saying in Maharashtra connected with this day which goes as follows-

'Til Gud Ghya Ani Garud Garud Bola.'

Meaning: Take sesame and jaggery and speak sweetly. The under-lying thought in the exchange of tilguls is to forget the past ill-feelings and hostilities and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends. Women of Maharashtra attired in beautiful apparels visit the houses of their relatives and friends, where they are welcomed with 'Kheel' and 'Porridge'. The hosts honor them by applying 'Kumkum'.

In Maharashtra also, colorful kites dot the skies as each one attempts to outdo the other. As the sun sets, children and adults desperate to extend the day, add floating oil lanterns to the tails of their kites - a sight that brings to life the true meaning of the day: a return to light, to warmth, to the life-giving sun.