Vijayawada: The three-day Sankranti celebrations started on Monday with large-scale Bhogi bonfires across Andhra Pradesh. People celebrated the Bhogi by performing special rituals with their close family members.
Bhogi, the first day of the three day harvest festival Sankranti, has a special significance. People light bonfires with old timber and cow dung cakes. They offer special prayers to the Sun god and later perform a holy bath. “Sankranti is celebrated as per the transit of sun. As per Hindu mythology Sun transits from Uttarayana and Daksinayana during Sankranti. We offer special prayers to Sun wishing prosperity and good health,” said Srinatha Sharma a vedic scholar.
People in rural areas arranged the Bommala Koluvu (display of dolls) and offered Bhogi pallu (red dates) to children below the age of 5 years.
Traditional Sankranti celebrations, supported by political leaders, attracted huge crowds with special arenas and stalls set up. Beauty competitions of decorated bulls are special attractions at these venues.
MLAs and ministers launched cultural events in their constituencies, adding grandeur to the festivities. Popular activities like kite flying and bull contests are drawing lakhs of people, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Telugu states.
Cockfights started on a grand note by offering special prayers. MLAs and peoples representatives formally started the cockfights without trying knives.
Traditional gambling activities like Gundata, Teen Patta, Lona Bayata and others were arranged at Sankranti celebration venues which draw huge crowds.
