The Sankranti festivities began on a colourful note in the city and other parts of the State on Monday with Bhogi, the first day of the festival.
Braving cold weather, people gathered at different junctions and on the streets in residential colonies to light Bhogi mantalu, a traditional bonfire, welcoming the festivities. People believe it would ward off evil and usher in positive energy into homes.
Amid colourful rangolis that greeted people all along the streets in different colonies and keertanas by Haridasulu, Sankranti fervour has indeed gripped the State. Gangireddulu, Haridasulu, Pittala doralu visited houses to bless residents. People feel that the festival is not complete without a visit of Gangireddulavallu and Haridasulu. Bhogipallu is another tradition followed to ward off evil.
Family reunion
The festive season marked the conduct of cockfights at several places in the district.
For many, Sankranti is a festival of reunion with families. A majority of people celebrate the festival for three days – Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanumu – while the fourth day, Mukkanumu, is also celebrated by some sections with fervour.
“The festival is marked by boiling the first rice of the harvest, which is sanctified by the Sun,” says Uttaradi Mutt scholar Kanugovi Vasudevacharya.
The celebrations were organised by various voluntary organisations and associations. Sri Durga Mallewara Swamyvarla Devasthanam has set up Bommala Koluvu atop Indrakeeladri as a part of the festival.
ISKCON devotees belonging to Mayapur International Kirtan Troopers took part in the celebrations organised at the IGMC stadium here. The Siddhartha Walkers Association organised the festivities at Siddhartha Public School in the city.
Shopping time
The markets were abuzz with customers doing their last-minute shopping. Shoppers were chasing discounts, especially for apparel and footwear. The markets were flooded with a range of fancy kites. They carried pictures from blockbuster movie Bahubali to Chota Bheem, a cartoon character.
Officials celebrate
Guntur Staff Repoter adds:
People celebrated the onset of Sankranti festival by lighting the Bhogi fire. Civic officials and police personnel with officers took part with gaiety in the celebrations.
Municipal Commissioner Srikesh B. Latkar along with his family took part in the Sankranti celebrations held at the NTR Municipal Stadium at Brundavan Gardens. Dressed in traditional attire, Mr. Srikesh lighted the Bhogi fire in the presence of civic officials.
The sight of Haridasu and Gangireddulu dancing to the tunes of traditional music was refreshing and many walkers and sports persons joined the festivities.
At Police Parade grounds, Superintendent of Police Ch. Vijaya Rao encouraged the policemen by taking part in the festivities.
