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Sankranti Festivities Ignite Telugu States with Bhogi Bonfires & Traditions

Sankranti celebrations have begun across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, starting with the Bhogi tradition of burning old items. The festival marks the end of the winter harvest and the beginning of the new sowing season. Prominent figures, including Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha and former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, participated in the festivities with their families. A massive festive atmosphere prevails as lakhs of people travel home, aided by special transport services from both states.

Key Points: Sankranti 2024: Bhogi Celebrations Begin in Andhra, Telangana

  • Bhogi marks start of 3-day Sankranti festival
  • Bonfires burn old items for new beginnings
  • Lakhs travel home for celebrations
  • Special buses & trains operated
3 min read

Sankranti celebrations kick-off in Telugu states with 'bhogi'

Sankranti celebrations commence with Bhogi bonfires in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Ministers, former VP Naidu participate in harvest festival traditions.

Sankranti celebrations kick-off in Telugu states with 'bhogi'
"The 'Bhogi' bonfires... convey the message to let go of negative thoughts - M. Venkaiah Naidu"

Amaravati, Jan 14

Highlighting the rich Telugu culture, Sankranti celebrations began across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Wednesday with 'bhogi' amid usual pomp and gaiety

Villages and towns in both the Telugu states came alive with traditional celebrations to mark the harvest festival

Three-day celebrations kicked off with 'bhogi', burning of old and unwanted items such as old clothes, mats and broomsticks in the belief that new things usher into their lives.

People in villages and towns began the day with bhogi and prayers. Women were seen playing and dancing around the bonfire.

Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is the biggest festival in Andhra Pradesh. The festival marks the end of the winter harvest season of rabi crops and the beginning of the next sowing season, kharif.

Ministers, MPs, state legislators and leaders of all political parties participated in bhogi in various parts of the two states.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha participated in the 'bhogi' festival at her house in Anakapalli. Accompanied by her family members, she performed 'gau puja' (cow worship). Cultural programmes were organised on the occasion. She played 'dappu', adding to the enthusiasm among participants.

At Visakhapatnam beach, 1.01 lakh dungcakes of 'desi' cows were burnt in the bhogi fire.

Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, along with locals and tourists, participated in the celebrations

Amaravati Utsav Samithi organised bhogi with dung cakes in Vijayawada. According to the organisers, burning dung cakes is good for the environment and health.

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu celebrated 'bhogi' along with family members at Nellore.

Venkaiah Naidu greeted people and hoped that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to them.

"The 'Bhogi' bonfires lit with joy and enthusiasm by young and old alike convey the message to let go of negative thoughts and move forward with a positive outlook," he said.

'Bhogi' was also organised in front of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's house in his native village Naravaripalle in Tirupati district.

Chief Minister Naidu's brother-in-law, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, MP M. Bharat and other family members participated in the celebrations.

The Chief Minister, along with his family members, is in the village to participate in Sankranti celebrations.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in residential colonies in Hyderabad and the outskirts, besides Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam and other towns and villages in both the states.

Lakhs of people who live in Hyderabad headed to their homes in various districts of both the Telugu states.

State Road Transport Corporations of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh operated special buses, and the Railways operated special trains to carry people to their destinations from Hyderabad.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The scale is impressive - 1.01 lakh dung cakes in Vizag! While I appreciate the tradition, I do hope the environmental impact of such large bonfires is considered. Perhaps we can find a balance between tradition and modern ecological concerns.
S
Suresh O
As someone from a farming family in Andhra, this festival truly marks a time of gratitude. The end of the rabi harvest and prayers for a good kharif season - it's the heartbeat of our rural economy. Good to see leaders participating at the ground level.
K
Kavya N
The traffic from Hyderabad to the villages is crazy every year! But it's beautiful to see lakhs of people returning to their roots. Our transport departments running special buses is a much-needed service. Family, food, and festivities - nothing beats the Sankranti vibe at home. 🎉
M
Michael C
Fascinating read. The symbolism of burning the old to welcome the new is powerful and seems similar to concepts in other cultures. The community aspect and the connection to the agricultural cycle are particularly interesting. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into Telugu traditions.
A
Ananya R
Love the message from Venkaiah Naidu garu. Letting go of negativity is so relevant today. Beyond the politics and photos, if the festival inspires positivity and family bonding, it's a true success. Now, time for some pongal and sugarcane!

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