Sankranti Festivities Commence in Telugu States with Bhogi

Amaravati, Jan 13 (NationPress) The joyous Sankranti festivities kicked off on Monday throughout Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, celebrated with traditional fervor.

The three-day event commenced with Bhogi, a ritual involving the burning of old and superfluous items such as clothes, mats, and broomsticks, symbolizing the arrival of new beginnings.

Residents of villages and towns welcomed the day with Bhogi rituals and prayers.

Families, including men, women, and children, gathered to dance and celebrate around the bonfire.

Both Telugu states were adorned with traditional festivities, honoring this significant harvest festival.

Devotees visited temples for special pujas to mark the occasion.

Political figures, including ministers, MPs, and state legislators, partook in Bhogi celebrations across the regions.

Former Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, celebrated Bhogi with his family at his son's farmhouse in Medipally, near Hyderabad. He expressed joy in lighting the bonfire and engaging in traditional practices.

He conveyed his best wishes to the public, hoping the festival would usher in happiness and prosperity.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu along with his family participated in the Sankranti festivities at his ancestral village Naravaripalli in Chittoor district.

Accompanied by his wife Bhuvaneswari and daughter-in-law Brahmani, he visited the venue of a rangoli competition.

A total of 126 women showcased their creativity through various rangoli designs.

Bhuvaneswari awarded cash prizes of Rs.10,116 each to the participants.

The family, including Naidu's son and state minister Nara Lokesh, joined in the celebrations and observed various sports events.

A lively bullock cart race was inaugurated by Konakalla Narayana, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), at Ghantshala in Krishna district.

The festive spirit was palpable in residential areas of Hyderabad and surrounding towns, including Vijayawada, Guntur, and Visakhapatnam.

Thousands of individuals working in Hyderabad made their way back to their hometowns across both Telugu states.

State road transport corporations from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh launched special buses, while the railways provided additional trains to facilitate travel from Hyderabad.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, along with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, extended their greetings to the public on Sankranti.

Abdul Nazeer conveyed his best wishes, highlighting that the harvest festival of Sankranti, celebrated over three days as Bhogi, Makara Sankranti, and Kanuma, holds a vital place in our cultural heritage.

He emphasized the importance of traditions, stating, "May this auspicious occasion inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity, and brotherhood in all of us."

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also shared his warm wishes, expressing that Bhogi and Sankranti embody joy and abundance.

He added, "These festivals signify our cultural heritage, celebrated with immense enthusiasm, fostering unity and harmony among all sections of society."

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended his greetings, stating that bonfires dispel the darkness of old constraints and illuminate new beginnings.

He expressed hope that the positive changes brought by people's governance would spread happiness in every household.

He noted that this festival promises new light for nearly one crore farmers, the poor, and agricultural laborers.

CM Reddy announced that four new schemes would be launched this Sankranti, increasing crop investment support for farmers to Rs.12,000 per acre under the Rythu Bharosa scheme.

He assured that financial aid would be provided to agricultural laborers' families, new ration cards would be issued for food security, and homeless individuals would receive housing under the Indiramma scheme.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu wished the public well for Bhogi, hoping it would bring new light into their lives and encourage a positive outlook.

"May all your troubles vanish in the Bhogi flames, and may you be blessed with good fortune. We, as public representatives, are committed to supporting your hopes and aspirations," he posted on ‘X’.

"Greetings to all Telugu people worldwide, residents of the Telugu states, and everyone celebrating the vibrant Sankranti festival. This cherished occasion brings families together, reminding us of our rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions. Let us strive to keep the spirit of Sankranti alive in every home, ensuring joy and prosperity for all," Naidu stated in his message.