Sankranti fete begins with Bhogi

Tirupati: Bhogi' was celebrated with enthusiasm and traditional zeal in Tirupati on Sunday. The celebrations began well before dawn as people gathered in groups before their houses, apartments and in open places to make bonfire.

They have thrown the household junk material and other unused material into the fire following the customs. The three-day festivities began with ‘Bhogi’ on Sunday which will be followed by ‘Sankranti’ on Monday and ‘Kanuma’ on Tuesday. Women have decorated their front yards with colourful Rangolis and flowers.

Hectic activity was seen at flower, cloth and sweets shops. Young women played “Gobbiyyalo” songs around Gobbemmas (cow dung) placed at the middle of Rangolis.

Cine actor and Hindupur MLA Balakrishna participated in Bhogi bonfire programme at Naravaripalle of Chandragiri Mandal whereas Nagari MLA RK Roja participated at Pullamvaripalle in the same mandal. People wearing new clothes visited temples and offered prayers.

In Connection with the festival, Shilparamam in Tirupati organised Rangoli competitions in which several women participated. Though, the district administration has cancelled official Sankranti celebrations in Chittoor in the morning, the artists have arrived from other parts as per schedule.

Cultural programmes and dance programmes by Sai SannidhiKuchipudiAkademy, Hyderabad were held in the evening. The performances by artistes received wide applause from the audience.