In Pune, Megha Bhat, 59, often visits her childhood friend, where they gather around to play Mahjong. This game, believed to have originated in 19th-century China, has recently gained popularity in the city. Megha shared that there is a thriving Mahjong community in Pune with dedicated players who indulge in the game regularly. Delhi resident Vineeta Sahni, 63, learned Mahjong over 25 years ago and still holds a deep passion for it. She reminisced about how Mahjong was popular among defence services wives and how the game has evolved over the years. Mahjong is a game of skill and strategy similar to rummy but played with a set of 144 tiles depicting Chinese characters and symbols. Players aim to form a complete hand comprising sets of three tiles and a pair. Rules may vary across regions and formats. Moreover, Mumbai resident Sangeeta Kewalramani, who has been playing Mahjong for 16 years, has been teaching the game for the past five years. She learned the game from expats and now conducts modules for beginners interested in learning Mahjong."The same game of Mahjong is played differently in each country to suit their preferences," she explained. "I also teach my students how to calculate scores. Some treat it as a social gambling game with payouts based on final scores, while others play just for fun." Sharon Dhondy, a Mahjong player and teacher, frequents family clubs in Mumbai such as Willingdon Sports Club and CCI. "Mahjong is not difficult; it's challenging yet enjoyable and suitable for all ages," she remarked.

In addition to the original Chinese way of playing Mahjong, there is also an American version. Although some play multiplayer online, offline Mahjong has gained popularity. The game set costs between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000, with racks priced at Rs 8,000-10,000. "The cost is divided among the four players, making it affordable for regular players," Dhondy noted.

Many players find Mahjong addictive, as it teaches life skills like patience, integrity, and coping with chaos. A game typically takes 2-2.5 hours to complete, depending on player age and speed. "Mahjong is not just for old folks or women; it's enjoyed by everyone at our family gatherings," a player from Pune shared.