Mangalagaur Khel: Traditional Marathi Games, Ukhane and Songs

Quick answer: Mangalagaur khel is the night of traditional games and songs that Maharashtrian women play after the Mangalagaur puja — including jhimma, fugdi and ukhane (rhyming couplets naming one’s husband) — a joyful, social close to the Tuesday observance.

In Maharashtra, Mangalagaur (the Sravana Tuesday Gauri puja) is followed by a joyful gathering of women who play traditional games and sing late into the night. It is social, physical and full of laughter — and it travels beautifully to US communities. Here is a guide to the games, the ukhane, and how to host it in an apartment.

What Mangalagaur is

After the Mangalagaur puja, women gather for khel — a session of folk games, dances and songs. It is the celebratory heart of the observance, especially for newly married women, and brings families and neighbours together.

The traditional games

• Jhimma — a rhythmic clapping game played in pairs or a circle, set to song.
• Fugdi — women hold hands and spin rapidly in pairs or groups, building speed with the rhythm.
• Phugadi and bassa fugdi variations — seated and standing forms of the spinning game.
• Kombda (the rooster) — a playful squatting-and-hopping game.
• Many more regional games, all set to traditional songs and claps.

Ukhane — the most-anticipated part

Ukhane are rhyming couplets in which a wife weaves her husband’s name into a verse — traditionally, because a wife did not say her husband’s name aloud otherwise. They are witty, affectionate and often greeted with cheers, and they are the evening’s most-loved moment. Guests take turns, and the cleverest ukhana wins the loudest applause.

Traditional Mangalagaur songs

The games are set to traditional Marathi songs sung by the group, with call-and-response verses and rhythmic claps. Learning a couple of the common tunes beforehand makes the evening flow; many are available on Marathi devotional and folk music channels.

Hosting Mangalagaur in a US apartment

• Choose space-friendly games — jhimma and ukhane need little room; save the fast spinning fugdi for a hall or larger space.
• Be mindful of neighbours and noise, especially later in the evening; a community hall is ideal for a bigger gathering.
• On a working Tuesday, keep it shorter or move the khel to the nearest weekend — many US families do.
• Arrange simple seating, a few snacks, and a playlist of Mangalagaur songs.

Community Mangalagaur in the USA

Many US Maharashtrian mandals and associations organise a community Mangalagaur, which is a wonderful option if you are new to an area or observing for the first time. Look for your local Maharashtra Mandal or Marathi association’s festival calendar.

Games for children and mixed ages

Simple clapping games and gentle fugdi work well for children, making Mangalagaur a warm, inclusive evening across generations.

Part of our Sravana Masam 2026 calendar and dates guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mangalagaur khel?

It is the night of traditional Marathi games and songs that women play after the Mangalagaur (Sravana Tuesday) Gauri puja — including jhimma, fugdi and ukhane — a joyful, social close to the observance.

What games are played at Mangalagaur?

Jhimma (a clapping game), fugdi and its variations (spinning games), kombda, and many regional folk games, all set to traditional songs and claps.

What are ukhane?

Ukhane are rhyming couplets in which a wife weaves her husband’s name into a verse. Witty and affectionate, they are the most-anticipated part of the Mangalagaur evening.

How do I host Mangalagaur in an apartment?

Choose space-friendly games like jhimma and ukhane, be mindful of noise and neighbours, keep it shorter on a working Tuesday or move it to the weekend, and play Mangalagaur songs.

Is there community Mangalagaur in the USA?

Yes. Many US Maharashtra Mandals and Marathi associations organise a community Mangalagaur — a great option for newcomers or first-timers. Check their festival calendars.

Can children join Mangalagaur?

Yes. Simple clapping games and gentle fugdi suit children, making it a warm, inclusive evening across generations.

When is Mangalagaur held?

After the Mangalagaur puja on the Sravana Tuesdays — in 2026 on 18, 25 August and 1, 8 September (Amanta). Many US families shift the khel to the nearest weekend.

Do I need to know the songs beforehand?

It helps to learn a couple of common tunes, available on Marathi folk and devotional channels, so the evening flows — but the group sings together and newcomers pick it up quickly.