WOMEN AND KITTY PARTIES

If you've ever wondered where all the laughter, gossip, and samosas disappear on a lazy weekday afternoon, the answer is simple: kitty parties.

- BHAVANI SUNDARAM

Once whispered about as secret indulgences of bored housewives, these gatherings have today graduated into a full-blown cultural phenomenon-one that even Instagram can't resist showcasing. From Facebook albums to WhatsApp forwards, the kitty has stepped boldly into the limelight.

At its core, the idea is charmingly simple: each member contributes a sum of money, forming the "kitty," which one lucky hostess takes home that month. But the real exchange here is not rupees. It's camaraderie, laughter, emotional support, and occasionally, the muchguarded recipe for the perfect chaat. The money might be the glue, but it is the human connection that keeps women showing up month after month.