Sankranti has arrived a week in advance for students of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan. The school premises, located amidst a concrete jungle, was literally transformed into a rural setting with students dressed in traditional attire drawing ‘muggulu' (rangolis), the colourfully decorated bull performing to the tunes of ‘Basavanna', who was also dressed in all finery, and Haridasu singing tunes in praise of Lord Vishnu while playing the ‘tambura'.
‘Great occasion'
It was a great occasion for not only those students who donned various roles but also those watching the celebrations to know the traditions and culture and to understand their importance.
The celebrations began with worshipping of goddess Lakshmi and Goda Devi. It was followed by Bhogi (a bonfire), ‘Bommala koluvu', display of dolls in a systematic pattern, and pouring of ‘Bhogi pallu' on the heads of tiny tots.
‘Chakkera Pongali', a sweet dish, was prepared as per tradition and ‘pindi vantalu', traditional sweets prepared in Telugu households, were also prepared to mark the occasion. The ‘Burra Kadha' performance by the students caught the attention of the parents and visitors.
School director Ch. Vasu Prakash expressed the view that such celebrations would remain etched on the minds of the students forever.
