Tirupati: Rangolis, kite-flying mark Sankranti Sambaralu

Tirupati: The Pilgrim city has geared up to celebrate Sankranti festival with gaiety and fervour following age-old customs and traditions. Children were having fun with flying kites at several places, women having joy of drawing colourful rangolis in front of their houses. Traders having a busy time with hectic business activity with people from surrounding areas are also flooding to Tirupati to buy new clothes for the festival. The release of three movies starring top heroes around the same time during the holidays brought a good entertainment for people of all age groups.

As the State government has been celebrating the festival as an official event, under the auspices of the Department of Culture, elaborate arrangements were made at Shilparamam in the city to celebrate the festival for three days. Bhogi Mantalu (bonfire) programme was held on Monday evening which was witnessed by hundreds of visitors.

The Administrative Officer of Shilparamam K Khadarvali said that rangoli and kite-flying competitions will be held from 3 pm on January 14. As part of cultural programmes vocal music, folk dances, special ring dances, comedy skits, western dance, special doll dance and musical night will be conducted during January 14-16. These programmes will be held from 5 pm to 9 pm in which popular artistes will be performing.

Varasiddi Vinayaka Mahotsava Committee organised Sankranti Sambaralu at ISCKON grounds on Monday. Women have participated in rangoli competitions with enthusiasm while Gangireddu (Decorated Bull) dance to the tune of his master's 'Nadaswara' has attracted the visitors. Traditional rural games like Karra Billa, spinning top (Bongaram), Kabaddi, cock fights, Vaikuntapali and many others were performed by the youth.

The organisers have provided kites while the participants were asked to get their own manza. Cultural programmes were organised in the evening and was attended by Kamalananda Bharati Swami. The Committee Convenor Samanchi Sreenivas said that the aim of the event was to bring awareness on our traditions.