Bhogi Festival Ignites Sankranthi Celebrations Across Andhra Pradesh
The Bhogi festival officially kicked off the Sankranthi festive season in the Rayalaseema region and Nellore districts on Wednesday. Early morning celebrations set a vibrant tone for the upcoming harvest festival.
Tirumala Temple Hosts Traditional Bhogi Campfire
At the world-famous Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams staff members joined visiting devotees to light the traditional Bhogi campfire. The ceremony took place in front of the temple during the early hours of Wednesday.
Similar festive observances occurred at all major TTD temples throughout Tirupati. The lighting of Bhogi fires marks the symbolic burning of old possessions and negative energies, welcoming new beginnings.
Chief Minister Naidu Celebrates with Family
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu celebrated the Bhogi festival with his family members at Naravaripalli near Tirupati. Naidu and his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari enjoyed traditional Haridasu Sankeerthans and watched a decorated bull display, both customary during Sankranthi celebrations.
The Chief Minister extended warm Sankranthi greetings to all residents of Andhra Pradesh through an official message. He emphasized the festival's cultural significance and wished prosperity for every household.
Political Leaders Participate Across Districts
Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and his wife, along with Kovur TDP MLA Vemireddy Prashanti Reddy, lit the Bhogi campfire at their residence in Kovur. The ceremony followed traditional protocols observed by families across the region.
In Kadapa, Government Whip and Kadapa MLA Reddeppagari Madhavi Reddy participated in Bhogi-Sankranthi festivities held at the police parade grounds. TDP politburo member R Srinivasulu Reddy also joined the celebrations, highlighting the festival's broad appeal across political lines.
Political Symbolism in Bhogi Celebrations
Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders incorporated political symbolism into their Bhogi observances. At several locations across Rayalaseema and Nellore districts, they burned copies of the TDP-NDA alliance's 2024 election manifesto in the Bhogi campfires.
This act followed the traditional practice of discarding old items but carried contemporary political meaning. The Bhogi festival thus served as both a cultural celebration and a platform for political expression.
The widespread celebrations demonstrated how Sankranthi traditions continue to thrive across Andhra Pradesh. From temple courtyards to family homes and public grounds, the Bhogi festival successfully ignited festive spirits throughout the region.
