In Maharashtra people visit their friends and relatives and exchange multi coloured sugar and a mixture of fried til and molasses. New utensils are purchased and used for the first time in Hindu houses. Vividly coloured kites dot the skies. In the Gujratis, pandits grant scholarships and certificates to students who have successfully completed their studies in philosophy on this auspicious day. For the people residing in the Indo-Gangetic plain, the day begins with a dip in the Ganges and an offering of water to the sun, which is said to award punya .
People pray for a good harvest and offer special puja.
In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the two rice eating belts, people have special rice-centric meals. Til and rice form two important ingredients of this festival. In the river Hoogly, near Calcutta, people from all over India come for a ceremonial cleansing here. This ceremony of this day is called the Gangasoyar Mela. All Rights Reserved.