How Rituals Make Sankranti The Biggest Hindu Festival

Sankranti or Makara Sankranti is considered the biggest of all festivals in Andhra Pradesh. The festival marks the end of the winter harvest season of rabi crops and the beginning of the next sowing season kharif. The transition of the sun into the Makara (Capricon) constellation on Sankranti signifies longer and warmer days. The four-day festival is celebrated marking the harvest of the crop, signifying the farmers' efforts and labour behind it. As it is connected to the agrarian community, the festival reflects rural ethos and traditions. Families get together for the festival to rejuvenate their spirit, underscoring that togetherness multiplies happiness as the sense of belongingness gains strength.

BHOGI

The celebrations begin with Bhogi Mantalu (bonfire) on the first day by lighting the fire during the 'Brahma Muhurat' before the sunrise. People in the colonies and neighbourhood gather at the bonfire to greet each other and get warmth from the flames in the winter chill. Sesame oil is applied to the body to cool the body and heal the cracks that were caused due to the winter before taking head bath. In some villages, the hot water required for the head bath is also boiled at the bonfire.

The bonfire holds deep spiritual significance as a ritual of letting go of negativity, purification and renewal. Old and useless wooden household items, along with dried neem and mango branches and logs, are burnt at major thoroughfares symbolising spiritual cleansing, discarding past regrets, bad habits and negative energies for a fresh and positive beginning. The dried gobbemmalu (cow dung cakes made during throughout the month of Dhanurmasam) are also added to the fire to purify the air.

In the evening, Bhogi Pallu are poured on kids signifying blessings of Lord Vishnu. Indian jujube fruits are mixed with flower petals and currency coins which are then poured on the child's head. Jujube fruit is used for the ritual signifying its thin covering like the thin sheet covering the Brahma Granthi in toddlers. It is also believed that Bhogi Pallu would deprive the children of evil eye.

SANKRANTI

The main festival, Sankranti, is celebrated on the second day. Along with paddy, sugarcane is also harvested, during the festival, signifying sweetness and prosperity in life. Jaggery, made from sugarcane extract, forms the base of many sweetmeats like Ariselu, Bobbatlu and Boorelu, cooked during the festival. Ariselu are made mixing rice flour with jaggery while Bobbatlu and Boorelu are made using bengal gram and jaggery. Jaggery is added to make it sweet signifying a pleasant life ahead.

Festivities in Pedda Panduga also include sporting events like rooter kodi pandaalu (rooster/cock fighting), and Banda Laagudu Poteelu (celebrated in Kurnool region specially) in which bulls pull logs showing their strength.

In rooster fighting, sharp blades are tied to the legs of roosters or cocks and the bird which emerges with less cuts and bleeding is declared the winner. As it involves cruelty of animals, rooster fighting is official banned in the state under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the AP Gaming Act. However, it continues to be conducted illegally during Sankranti. Police are using special teams and drone to curb the sport. Despite cracking down by the authorities, the practice still persists due to high betting and strong support from certain groups.

Kite-flying is another sport during Makara Sankranti symbolizing a shift towards longer days in the upcoming summer season. Winter season is associated with winds, ideal for kite flying. While flying kites, people are exposed to sunlight, helping them absorb the benefits. Kites represent freedom and the soul's pursuit of liberation, gradually soaring into the infinite guided by disciplined lifestyle, represented by the strings. People gather in open spaces to enjoy the sport, which signifies freedom. The vibrant colours of kites and the competition among the participants fill the air with festive spirit. Kite flying festivals are also held to being people together, enabling them enjoy it as a community celebration.

KANUMA

The third day, Kanuma is a festival of animals. Farmers express their gratitude to their cattle which played an important role in the harvest. Farmers clean their oxen, paint their horns and decorate them with marigold flowers. Then they are fed and given harati.  Kanuma is celebrated by consuming non-vegetarian dishes cooked with meat of roosters, hens, goats or lambs.

MUKKANUMA

On the last day, Mukkanuma, the practice of drawing rangolis carried out throughout the month ends with a chariot, which is expected to take the soul to heaven. The relishing of non-vegetarian dishes continues for the second day on day.

The four-day festival extends into a week, and after a day's rest, people pack their bags and return to their workplaces in the towns and cities, carrying with them renewed energy from the Sankranti celebrations and cherished memories of a festival well spent.