India, Jan. 14 -- On the occasion of Makar Sankranti all around the country, the woman folk are gearing up to celebrate haldi kumkum, a ceremony which follows Makar Sankranti, the first festival to kick-start the year. This day also happens to be the only Hindu festival based on the position of the sun (the others follow the moon). More importantly, it's the only festival which falls more or less on the same date, either 14th or 15th of January. Since this mostly applies to married women, singletons can just enjoy the day off and munch on 'til-gul'.

To celebrate this day, women also organise an event known as 'Haldi kumkum'. It is the day during which women invite others of the same tribe to come over and apply turmeric (haldi) and vermi...