MAKARA SANKRANTI SUBHAKANKSHALU
Bhogi Festival
Bhogi festival or Bhogi (Telugu Festival) is the first day of Pongal and is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, “the God of Clouds and Rains”. Lord Indra is worshiped for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. Thus, this day is also known as Indran. On Bhogi all people clean out their homes from top to bottom, and collect all unwanted goods. This day is meant for domestic activities and of being together with the family members.
Makara Sankranti
Makara Sankranti is the only Hindu festival which is based on the Solar calendar rather than the Lunar calendar.In some parts of India, the festival is celebrated by taking dips in the Ganga or any river and offering water to the Sun god. The dip is said to purify the self and bestow punya. Special puja is offered as a thanks giving for good harvest.
Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter, the food prepared for this festival are such that they keep the body warm and give high energy. It is celebrated with much pomp is Andhra Pradesh, The festival is celebrated for 3 days.
Kaanum Pongal
The fourth and the last day of Pongal is known as Kanumu. Kaanum Pongal means seeing Pongal as this day marks as the sightseeing day. On this day, people dress up gaily, families go for picnic and visit relatives and make a tour of the town or the city they reside. It is a day for the outdoors and most people throng out of home in the evening, making for a sea of humanity. This is a day to spend time and entertainment outside.
Being the last day of Pongal, the farmer’s rest and celebrate this day in high spirit. People worship their ancestors and venerate their elders. It is the time for relaxing after the 3 days of festivities. People go out along with family and friends and have a nice day of outing. In the villages, the shop owners or employers of firms give benevolent gifts to their employees as a token of gratitude for their good work all through the year.
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