The Sankranti festival is not much visible during the season except for cockfights and liquor sales. There is a slump in the sales of other commodities such as clothes.

There are several factors for the decline in festive spirit.

In Konaseema area, the farmers observed crop holiday in many mandals. There was no new paddy and no income for them. The dry spell hit agriculture in upland mandals. There was also no crop in the season. The farmers are now busily engaged in transplantation in the Konaseema area. Meanwhile, the cooperative societies and cooperative banks are forcibly exerting pressure for repayment of loans. All these factors have dampned the enthuasism in the people.

“Sankranti is usually described as elders festival. But, elders are looking very dull and disappointed. Only the youngsters are enjoying themselves to an extent,” said a farmer at Amalapuram in East Godavari district. “The footpath business is very encouraging, but, the sales at the retail shops were decreasing,” said a trader. He said that due to the VAT implementation, the readymade garments cost has been abnormally hiked.

Meanwhile, the police, who seemed to be lenient on cockfights for the last two days, have now intensified raids on the cock-fights.

According to estimation, nearly Rs.75 crore worth business has taken place on Sunday.

Sources said that some of the second-rung cine actors participated in the cockfights. The cockfights have been held on Monday also.

Kakinada divisional superintendent of police Mr B. Saisri conducted raids in Gollapalem village and 18 people were arrested. Mr Saisri said that 19 vehicles and Rs.20,300 cash were seized.