India’s harvest festival, Sankranti, is not just a date on the calendar — it is a celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and joy that takes different names and colours across the country. From kite-filled skies in Gujarat to community feasts in Assam, Sankranti is deeply rooted in tradition. At Desi Toys, we believe one element beautifully ties all these celebrations together: nostalgic play.

Long before digital screens took over childhoods, festivals were about stepping outdoors, playing traditional games, and bonding across generations. Let’s take a journey across India and rediscover the classic Indian toys and games that made Sankranti truly special.

Gujarat – Uttarayan

In Gujarat, Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan, famous for terrace kite flying. Between friendly kite battles, children enjoyed timeless games like wooden spinning tops (lattu) and cup & ball. These toys sharpened coordination and brought bursts of laughter between every kite flight.

Tamil Nadu – Pongal

The four-day Pongal festival celebrates abundance and learning. Traditional indoor games such as Pallankuzhi (Mancala-style board game) were commonly played by families. Wooden animal figurines and bullock cart toys reflected agrarian life and encouraged imaginative storytelling.

Punjab – Maghi

In Punjab, Maghi marks the harvest with warmth and community spirit. Winter evenings were perfect for chess, ludo, and group games played indoors. These classic board games nurtured patience, strategy, and family bonding.

Karnataka – Makara Sankranti

Karnataka celebrates Sankranti with sharing rituals like Ellu Bella. Outdoor games such as Lagori (Seven Stones) and glass marbles (kancha) filled courtyards with excitement. These traditional Indian games promoted teamwork, agility, and social play.

Assam – Magh Bihu

During Magh Bihu, communities come together for feasts and outdoor fun. Children enjoyed wooden bowling games, ring toss, and target games, making play an extension of celebration. Simple, handcrafted toys added movement and laughter to open spaces.

Maharashtra – Makar Sankranti

In Maharashtra, Sankranti is all about sweet traditions and nostalgia. Alongside tilgul exchanges, children played gitti (five stones), yoyo, and spinning tops — games that required skill, focus, and endless practice.

West Bengal – Poush Sankranti

Poush Sankranti in West Bengal brought families together over sweets and quiet moments. Mind-based games like Brainvita (Peg Solitaire) and wooden puzzles were popular, encouraging problem-solving and calm, screen-free play.

Bringing It All Together with Desi Toys

 Across regions, languages, and rituals, Sankranti celebrates a shared Indian childhood — one filled with traditional toys, cultural games, and meaningful play. At www.desitoys.in, we revive these memories through premium-quality, Made in India toys that are sustainable, timeless, and designed for all age groups.

This festive season, rediscover the joy of screen-free play, gift nostalgia, and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage — one toy at a time.