Celebrations of the year’s first harvest and a scrumptious meal are the focus of Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Pongal, Lohri, and Uttarayan. Many individuals travel to their villages to celebrate the harvest festival, a practice that symbolises new beginnings.
Miss celebrating in our village
Fifteen years have passed since my granny’s demise. Until then, Sankranti was a cherished family tradition in our village, Moolapolam, spanning the three days of Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanumu, with the extended family, including in-laws, siblings, cousins, and all their children. My father-in-law insisted that we adhere to our traditions. Following his advice, we continued our annual celebrations. Sadly, it has been two years since his passing, and we haven’t celebrated Sankranti together.
Few people are fortunate enough to have kin in rural areas. The early morning bonfires on Bhogi, with everyone crafting their garlands of cow dung cakes to offer wishes to the fire god, mark the beginning of the festivities. The next day, Sankranti is celebrated as a thanksgiving for a healthy crop, characterised by colourful rangolis adorning the streets, embellished with cow dung balls and flowers. The day is filled with traditional feasts like arisalu, pongalu, and laddu.
Kanumu brings the festival to a close, but the celebration persists. Colourful bulls, known as Gangiredhulu, traverse door to door, providing us with an opportunity to give back. I miss my village and the simple gatherings with extended family members, caught in the whirlwind of metropolitan life. — Srimani Mathukumilli, Jewelry/Interior designer
Nostalgic days
For the past 30 years, I’ve spent most of my time in the constituency during this event. The age-old importance of ‘letting go of the old’ is especially relevant this year for the people of Telangana, as a new government takes office. We intend to work for our constituents with utmost sincerity and transparency. We used to fly kites together and eat delectable treats like til laddus. — Nalamada Padmavathi Reddy, TPCC Vice President, Kodad MLA
Embracing healthy habits
This celebration honours the spirit of Bhogi, an age-old ritual representing the act of letting go of the old to welcome the new, akin to a farmer clearing his fields of old crops to make room for the upcoming harvest. On this significant occasion, let us pledge to abandon harmful habits and embrace new, healthier ones. I extend my wishes to everyone for a joyous Sankranti, brimming with renewed health and prosperity. — Dr Gayatri Kamineni, COO, Kamineni Hospitals
Celebrating peace and new beginnings
I look forward to this festival every year, with family at my village Dokiparru. This year is special as it’s my 25th wedding anniversary. The rituals of worshipping the sacred bhogi fire has its own sanctity. We have a great time celebrating, flying kites, and eating sweets together. It is a holiday that celebrates peace, wealth, and new beginnings. — Megha Sudha Reddy, philanthropist and director, Meil
Time for community bonding
Being in the village during this time fosters a stronger connection to cultural roots, accompanied by the shared joy of celebrating with family. The essence is to revel in the harvest, foster a sense of community, and embrace the practice of letting go of the old to usher in the new with fresh hope.
On the first day, Bhogi, we rise early to light a fire with palm leaves and old wood, dancing around it to bask in the warmth. The second day involves adorning the front of our homes with vibrant rangoli. On Kanuma, we wash the cows, paint their horns, and perform pooja.
Sankranti boasts a lively ambiance, featuring folk music, traditional dances, and rangoli designs that enhance the spirit. Sankranti not only symbolises the conclusion of the winter harvest but also underscores the significance of community, gratitude, and the perpetual cycle of life. — Sahitya Kotimreddy, Homemaker
