Bhogi, the festival which falls on the last day of the cold month of Margazhi, is being celebrated by Tamils today. People discard old things from their homes and make a bonfire from all unwanted goods in front of their houses. In villages, all houses, from the rich to the poor are thoroughly scrubbed and whitewashed.
Homes are cleaned and the entrances of houses are decorated with Rangoli. As bonfires with plastics are harmful to the environment, the State Pollution Control Board has asked the public to celebrate Bhogi without burning plastics, tyres, and tubes in order to protect the environment.
The Board will monitor the ambient air quality survey in 15 locations throughout the day on Bhogi and also till the completion of the festive season. The incorrect practice of burning discarded tyres, plastic goods, tubes, and papers with chemical residues. The visibility at Chennai airport was at 300 metres due to Bhogi-burning-induced smoke. It is likely to clear as time goes by during the day.
Akashvani’s correspondent reports that children beat tom-toms in small drums and walked around the bonfire in front of their houses early this morning. It is a day to discard old utensils and clothes in the houses, as tomorrow is the birth of Thai, signifying the spring season. In agricultural fields, bonfires are made out of hay. People will also beautify the house by making traditional festoons using mango leaves. Large colourful rangolis catch the attention of those who walk on the Streets.
In some places, rangoli competitions are also held and prizes are distributed. As the cold season is drawing to a close, misty mornings make it difficult for road users due to smoke from bonfires. However, enough precautions have been issued by the Government to monitor pollution arising out of banned materials like plastics and rubber.
In Telangana, three-day Makar Sankranti festivities commenced with people celebrating Bhogi today with traditional fervour and gaiety. The three-day post-harvest festival is being celebrated across the state but is predominant in rural areas, as all segments of society celebrate the festival with much pomp.
The First day of Sankranti festivities began with Bhogi Mantalu, that is, a bonfire lit early this morning. People, along with children, have come out to light the bonfire at their courtyards, street corners and crossroads. They burnt their old and unused belongings in the fire as a symbol to get rid of the bad and evil.
People are inviting the Sankranthi Lakshmi, a sign of Prosperity, by decorating their houses traditionally with colourful Rangoli, Mango leaves and marigold flowers. The three-day festivities are predominant in rural areas across the state as farmers reap their harvest before the festival.
Meanwhile, decorated skies over Hyderabad with colourful kites have become a point of attraction for the people in Capital city following the beginning of the Telangana International Kite Festival last evening at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad. The event is witnessing participation of kite flyers from over 20 countries.
