Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh: Growing up, Makar Sankranti was all about til ladoos and flying kites – Times of India

Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh enjoy celebrating all the festivals with enthusiasm, and Makar Sankranti is no different. They indulge in a round of kite flying with their sons Riaan and Rahyl. The couple, who posed in traditional finery exclusively for Bombay Times, talk about following the traditions associated with the festival and how they interpret the phrase ‘Tilgul ghya god god bola’. Excerpts:
What are your childhood memories of celebrating Makar Sankranti?
Riteish: Makar Sankranti has always been special. When I was a child, it was all about the kites. My memories of the festival revolve around chasing kites when we used to live in a government bungalow, as my father was a minister then. People would cut each other’s kites, which would get stuck in the trees. We would try to get our hands on those by using tall bamboo sticks. After school, I would run back home to check if there were any kites stuck around our house.
Genelia: As a child, Makar Sankranti was all about til ladoos and flying kites. But post marriage, it means so much more. It’s one festival that has the kids most excited as they get to fly kites.

How are you celebrating it this year with your kids? Is there an in-house kite-flying competition?
Riteish: Before the pandemic, it was probably the first time we celebrated Makar Sankranti with our children, but they were too young then. Last time around, they were helping me with the kites, but this year I think they would like to fly kites themselves. Of course, Genelia joins in! She’s more competitive than anyone else in the family. Genelia has two kids and I have three (laughs).
Genelia: While Riaan and Rahyl look forward to flying kites, they are extremely careful. They are particular about not hurting any animals or birds. We try to make the occasion special by personalising the kites for them.

The phrase ‘Tilgul ghya god god bola’ is associated with the festival, what does it signify to you?
Riteish: It’s a phrase that every Maharashtrian family knows well. Makar Sankranti is also when the new season begins. To me, it means sweetening your palette and speaking sweet words. However modern we become, it’s very important that we value our traditions. That is also how we can inculcate the values in our next generation. If you speak sweetly, others will respond kindly. So, let go of negativity and arrogance and fill your mind with positivity.
Genelia: The combination of til and gul is delicious. It also signifies that you can keep your words clear, pure, simple and sweet. Makar Sankranti is a festival of new beginnings. It’s right at the beginning of the year, so it’s like a reminder that you need to be grateful for the little things in life.