EXCLUSIVE| Ankita Lokhande Jain- Vicky Jain have set some goals for Gudi Padwa this year

It’s their first Gudi Padwa in their swanky Mumbai house. Ankita Lokhande is ready dot on time, while it’s her husband, Vikas (Vicky) Jain who takes some more! Marathi songs are playing on the home entertainment system as we enter, and she is in total festive mode, dancing and singing all over.

Lokhande has been celebrating Gudi Padwa since she was a child. “For me, this day is very important. Jabse Vicky meri life mein aaye hain, we celebratre it every year. He is not here every time, so after our marriage this is the second time,” she says, and he chimes in, “For me, it’s more like being introduced to Gudi Padwa, especially after Ankita came into my life. The first year we celebrated it in our Malad house, so this time it’s in our new Andheri house!”

The best part about the Maharashtrian New Year, for Lokhande, is the fact that the entire family comes together. “I have seen it since I was a child, my mom, my nani. Sab log milte hain, khaane ki cheezein banti hain. There are rituals, we do the gudi’s pooja. I am fascinated by all this. I like putting haldi and kumkum for the festival,” she smiles.

Vicky points out that it marks a new beginning , “December 31 is entirely spent in a party mood, this new year is traditional. Iske maayne zyaada hain.”

According to Lokhande, he belief is that whatever work is started on this day, you are bound to be successful in it. “Even people who are not Marathis in Maharashtra, celebrate it,” says the 38-year-old.

So then what new is the couple embarking on this time? Vicky answers first, “We are working on our own selves very seriously. We have set major fitness goals, and we are trying to meet them. I have been enjoying ever since we are together. We thought life after marriage would be a roller coaster ride, but it is very smooth and nice. Every day is a new beginning, and we are enjoying it with our family and friends.”

Since their respective cultures are different, they are making an effort to learn all about each other’s. “We are trying to understand. I am learning things followed in his family, and vice versa. We want to celebrate each and every festival, we love it,” Lokhande says.

And what’s a conversation about an Indian festical, without bringing up food and sweets? Vicky quips, “I have asked Ankita for imarti, maine kabhi khaayi nahi, toh I asked ki yeh arrange kar ke dein!”

And well, pat comes her reply, “Aam ras bana hai Gudi Padwa ka special. Par inhone bola hai toh main apne pati ki aagya ka paalan karungi!”