MUMBAI: The festival of Makar Sankranti has arrived. It is one of the largely celebrated Hindu festivals of India. From indulging on exquisite sweets to flying colourful kites, the event is marked by diverse traditions across India. There is a traditional practice of wearing a black saree because it is observed that during this day the sun's position is such maximum rays are attracted towards the black colour and you get the dose of Vitamin D. Utkarsha Naik who is currently seen in Dangal TV's Prem Bandhan shares why the festival is dear to her.

Sharing her story, Utkarsha says, "In India, we believe Uttarayan begins and fortunately it happens to be my birthday during the festival so I get to enjoy more than anyone else. This is the only day which coincides with the English calendar and mostly it falls on 14th January whereas sometimes the festival falls on the 13th of January. In Maharashtra, we make loads of laddu in every household made of til and gud which gives iron and calcium making it extremely good and significant for this cold weather. We believe when the festival starts, the gates of heaven open. I always used to tease my siblings saying  the gates of heaven open on my birthday and an apsara (myself) came down on the earth which makes me very special (laughs)."

Indeed, Utkarsha is a talented and beautiful actress. And we wish her a very happy birthday and Makar Sankranti.

Prem Bandhan is a story about an independent girl who has the responsibility of her family on her shoulders and how she meets a crossroads and ends up marrying a businessman with a mysterious past. Watch Prem Bandhan from Monday to Saturday at 7.30 pm only on Dangal TV.