Bhogi Ushers in Sankranti with Traditional Fervour Across Andhra Pradesh
Bhogi, the opening day of the three-day Sankranti festival, was celebrated with immense enthusiasm and on a grand scale throughout Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. This day traditionally marks the start of harvest festivities, bringing communities together in a vibrant display of culture and renewal.
Dawn Rituals and Symbolic Bonfires Light Up the State
People across the state, from busy urban centers to quiet rural villages, woke up well before sunrise. They took ritual baths and then gathered outside their homes to light Bhogi bonfires. These fires symbolize the discarding of old items and negative energies, while welcoming prosperity, renewal, and fresh beginnings.
Front yards and street corners throughout Andhra Pradesh glowed with the warm light of bonfires, primarily made from cow-dung cakes. Families, including both young and old members, participated actively. They sang traditional songs, danced with joy, and exchanged heartfelt festive greetings. Many households upheld the age-old belief of burning old and unused possessions in the Bhogi fire, embracing the spirit of letting go.
"Bhogi teaches us to leave behind the past and start fresh," explained Lakshmi, a resident of Eluru. She spoke as children played happily around the neighborhood bonfire, their laughter adding to the festive atmosphere.
Folk Traditions and a Record-Breaking Garland
The celebrations were richly enhanced by various folk traditions. Haridasu songs filled the air, Gangireddu dances captivated onlookers, and rhythmic percussion performances echoed through villages and towns. These cultural elements added depth and authenticity to the festive experience.
One of the major highlights this year emerged from the Konaseema region. In Rangapuram village, located in Amalapuram mandal, villagers created an extraordinary Bhogi garland. This massive structure measured an impressive 1,000 feet in length and utilized nearly 20,000 cow-dung cakes.
"We have been making these garlands for six consecutive years to showcase our rich Telugu culture," shared a villager involved in the ambitious project. "Each year, we strive to make it even bigger and more impressive." The construction of this gigantic garland required nearly twenty days of dedicated effort from the community.
Temple Celebrations and Special Events
In Vijayawada, Bhogi was celebrated with special fervour at the renowned Kanaka Durga temple. Temple authorities arranged a colourful Bommala Koluvu, or court of toys, as part of the annual Sankranti festivities. This display added a visual and devotional element to the celebrations.
Grand celebrations also took place at the Venkamma Perantalu temple in Ramavarappadu. Thousands of devotees gathered here, leading to significant traffic congestion on National Highway-16 as people flocked to participate in the rituals.
Several localities organized special events as part of the Bhogi observances. These included the pouring of Bhogi Pallu, which are Indian jujube fruits, on children below the age of ten. This ritual is believed to bring blessings and protection to the young ones.
Special pujas were performed at Lord Vishnu temples across the state. Elaborate arrangements were made for Goda Kalyanam ceremonies, adding a strong devotional touch to the overall festive spirit. These religious observances complemented the cultural and social aspects of Bhogi, creating a holistic celebration of tradition and faith.
