Bhogi Pandigai

2018 Sankranti Calendar 2018, Bhogi | Bhogi Pandigai

In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Sankranti is celebrated for four days. The certain rituals are followed during each of the four days and those days are known as

Day 1 - Bhogi which is also known as Bhogi Pandigai.

Day 2 - Makara Sankranti which is known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Day 3 - Kanuma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Day 4 - Mukkanuma in Andhra Pradesh and Kaanum Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Bhogi is the first day of the four days Sankranti festivities and it is observed one day before of main Makara Sankranti day. On Bhogi day, people discard old and derelict items which are no longer in use. People get up before dawn and light bonfire, famously known as Bhogi Mantalu, with wood and other solid fuels. Derelict wooden items at home are offered to the fire as a Bhogi ritual. People also lit crackers early in the morning.

Bhogi Pallu

In many Telugu families in Andhra, kids between the age group of three to six are showered with Indian jujube fruit known as Regi Pallu. The children are dressed up in colorful attires, including traditional Langa-Voni for the girls, for the occasion. A potpourri of Regi Pallu, Senagalu (soaked and drained black grams), flower petals, pieces of sugarcane, jaggery and coins are showered on them. It is believed that the ritual of Bhogi Pallu protects children from evil eye, bless the children with material abundance and long life.

Apart from the ritual of Regi Pallu, Ariselu Adugulu is also organized for kids. Ariselu(s), which is a sweet dish made of rice, are put on the floor and small kids are asked to walk on them. Ariselu Adugulu is celebrated to mark the occasion when the kid learns to take its first step.

To mark the occasion of Bhogi, various Rangoli competitions are organized and the big and colourful Rangolis of bright hues are drawn outside home and buildings. Many families display Bommala-Koluvu of several tiers at home. On Bhogi day sweets are prepared in generous quantities and distributed among families and friends.

Makar Sankranti is four days festivity period which is dedicated to Lord Sun. All rituals during Makar Sankranti are gestures of thanksgiving to natural resources which make life possible on the Earth. The Sun God is worshipped for bestowing good harvest and nurturing livestock. The cattle especially bulls and oxen are worshipped for their significance in traditionally ploughing fields.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India. In North India people take holy dip in Ganga on Makar Sankranti day. Thousands of people throng Hindu pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Banaras and Allahabad to take holy dip in Ganga. It is believed that holy dip in Ganga on Sankranti purges all sins committed by the person. Makar Sankranti is also the main bathing day at Ganga Sagar Mela which is held near Kolkata. Sikh community especially in Punjab and Haryana celebrates Lohri one day before Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat. Uttarayan is a significant festival in Gujarat which lasts for two days. The main day of Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan and the next day of Uttarayan is known as Vasi Uttarayan or stale Uttarayan. The day is considered highly auspicious and is dedicated to Lord Surya.

In Tamil Nadu people celebrate Makar Sankranti as Pongal. Pongal is celebrated for four days but the most important day of Pongal festivity is known as Thai Pongal and it is celebrated on Makar Sankranti day. Thai Pongal is followed by Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal. The day before Thai Pongal is known as Bhogi.

In Andhra Pradesh, similar to Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated for four days. The day before Sankranti is known as Bhogi Pandigai. The main Sankranti day is known as Pedda Panduga, which is followed by Kanuma Panduga and Mukkanuma.

In Kerala, the most important event on Makar Sankranti is Makaravilakku. The world famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple celebrates Sankranti during evening by lighting Makaravilakku. Makaravilakku is artificial light that is created three times at a distant hill. Thousands of devotees wait for Makaravilakku as it symbolizes celestial lighting at Sabarimala Hills.