Sankranti celebrations begin in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Jan 13 : The three-day Sankranti, the harvest festival, has kicked off with fervour and gaiety across the Andhra Pradesh on Monday with the first being celebrated as Bhogi.

Dressed in their best, people thronged in large numbers at all the temples to offer their prayers while rangoli and dolls-show has been the mainstay of the festival. The front-yard of houses is decorated with Rangoli while kite flying has been a regular feature during the festival.

On the first day, people gathered at street corners and lit up a Bhogi fire in which all the useless articles are set afire which symbolises driving away of evil spirit from the households. Bhogi is also known as Indran and is celebrated in the honour of Indra, the Hindu god of clouds and rains. Hindus worship Indra for good harvest and prosperity.

The second day is celebrated as main festival and called as Makara Sankranti. The festival marks the beginning of Dakshinayana or the lunar half of the zodiac calendar. The significance is that the Sun enters the Makara rasi or Capricorn sign to herald the Makara Sankranti.

The third day is called Kanuma which is the closing ceremony.

Rich food is prepared on all the three days and newly-weds will celebrate the festival at the bride’s residence.

Coastal Andhra has a tradition of cock-fights and heavy betting during the festival. With the media glare it has come down to a certain extent but it has been part of the festival.

In Telangana region, the festival is celebrated as a kite flying festival. INN