Heralding the three-day harvest festival Sankranthi began with bonfires for Bhogi on the first day early on Friday.
At several junctions across the city people, particularly youth, lit bonfires braving the chilly weather and fog. At some places water was heated in vessels, continuing an old tradition. Residents of apartment complexes and neighbourhood houses came together even before the sun cast its first rays across the horizon to perform a ceremonial puja. The skies were gloomy and grey till 7 a.m. and many skipped their morning walks to escape the smog. Although Vizagites rose sneezing to smoggy skies, some residents said Bhogi this year was less smoky than the years before.
Colourful rangolis were drawn in the front yards and Gangiredla vallu (performers with decorated bulls) and Haridasulu, singing the praise of God, going around the streets, added to the festive aura.
In keeping with the tradition, several families celebrated ‘Bhogi pallu’ pouring berries on the heads of children blessing them.
Adding a social dimension to the celebrations, the Child Rights Protection Forum organised Bhogi for poor and orphaned children at Sri Gnananada Ashram. Temples witnessed a steady stream of devotees right from the morning.
