A team of aqua scientists of different countries, who were on a tour in India, celebrated the Sankranti festival in West Godavari district on Tuesday. They visited villages and performed pujas in temples.
Scientists from Sterling University, UK, in association with AP-based Ananda Foundation, have taken up a study on the viruses affecting shrimp cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. As many as 22 scientists from Vietnam, Italy, Kenya, UK and Bangladesh are participating in the study.
The team, which camped at Bhimavaram, toured in different places in West Godavari and Krishna districts.
Traditional welcome
“As part of Sankranti festivities, the team visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Bhimavaram. They offered prayers and took prasadams. During their visit to villages, the scientists enjoyed the kite festivals, rangolis, gangireddulu and bommalakoluvulu, and hailed Indian tradition,” said Ananda Group chairman Uddaraju Kasi Viswanadha Raju, who accompanied the team.
“Farmers greeted the scientists in villages and offered traditional sweets. Villagers explained the importance of Sankranti to the foreign guests. Scientists felt happy about celebrating the harvest festival with the villagers,” Mr. Raju said.
