In Pune, Megha Bhat (59) often visits her childhood friend on quiet afternoons. They gather around a pile of Mahjong tiles, select their stacks, and begin matching sequences. Tea, coffee, and snacks are served before the game starts. Mahjong, believed to have originated in 19th century China, has recently gained popularity in the city. Megha, a player for over 15 years, mentions the active Mahjong community in Pune where enthusiasts play regularly and even compete with players from other cities. Vineeta Sahni (63) from Delhi recalls learning the game 25 years ago, inspired by defense services wives who used to play when their husbands were away. Mahjong, a game of skill and strategy played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, is now a common pastime at family gatherings and social clubs. Similar to the card game rummy, Mahjong involves forming a complete hand with melds and pairs. Rules can vary across regions. Sangeeta Kewalramani of Mumbai has played Mahjong for 16 years and has been teaching it for five years, having learned from expats. A ten-session module is usually sufficient for beginners to get started with the basic rules of the game.Each country has adapted Mahjong to suit their preferences, with variations in rules and scoring methods. Some players even treat it as a social gambling game, while most simply enjoy it for fun. Sharon Dhondy, a Mahjong player and teacher, finds the game to be both challenging and enjoyable, suitable for players of all ages. In addition to the traditional Chinese style, there is an American way of playing Mahjong. Many enthusiasts view the game as a valuable pastime that teaches important life skills such as patience and strategic thinking. Playing Mahjong can take about 2-2.5 hours per session, depending on the players' speed and experience. It is a popular choice for family gatherings, appealing to both men and women of all ages.