Sankranti festive spirit pervades Police Grounds

Anantapur: Sankranti Sambaralu was organised at Police Parade Grounds here by the district administration resembled a traditional village reflecting the pristine beauty of a Sankranti celebrated village with hundreds of women attired in traditional pattu saris participating in the massive ‘Muggula Poteelu’ and creating a festive atmosphere amidst the beating of drums and the exhilarating rhythmic music of Kolatalu, at the sprawling grounds filled with colourfully dressed men, women and children.

The atmosphere was one of a rustic village with colourfully decorated bullock carts and ‘Hari Dasus’ attired in red attire making their presence felt and drawing the attention of one and all.

Children and young girls wearing half sarees were the cynosure of all eyes while men including district government officials wearing Panchis looked casual and relaxed unlike the other days wherein they looked tensed up with work.

The officials and employees of the State government participated in the celebrations along with their family members making the pandals filled people look like a picnic spot.

The Sankranti village was also filled with folklore artists and other multiple cultural artists including Kuchipudi, Vilasini, Andhra Natyam, Burrakatha and Kolatam artists, all presenting their ancient dance forms. The entire police grounds resembled an epic world filled with old time artists and people dressed in the most traditional clothing.

Speakers including Ministers Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Paritala Sunitha and Mayor Swaroopa went down the memory lane of their childhood and reflecting how Sankranti festival was celebrated with utmost fanfare and devotion in their villages.

They also welcomed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's initiative in reviving the ancient Hindu culture and glory by organising festival celebrations on behalf of the government in every district.

MP J C Diwakar Reddy speaking in a lighter vein said that festivals originally were looked forward for by the poor and the have-nots as that was the time they could eat a sumptuous meal but now things have changed and nobody is poor enough not being able to celebrate a festival as the average family in a society has enough money to spend.

Beautiful stalls were set up by all government departments which showcased development on all fronts. Local MLA Prabhakar Chowdary presided over the celebrations.