New-Gen Haridasas Step In During Sankranti as Elders Struggle

 Visakhapatnam: Sankranti and Haridasas are synonymous. Haridasas go from street to street, singing devotional kirtans and invoking blessings. Their songs, steeped in tradition, are a familiar sound during the harvest season.

This year, however, the city of Vizag is witnessing a generational shift. Many of the elderly Haridasas are unable to continue this demanding practice. Continuing their tradition are their educated children and grandchildren. They are donning the traditional attire and carrying forward the custom.

Veteran Haridasu P. Venkata Ramana explains the change. “For 30 years, I have gone out on streets singing kirtans. But now, due to diabetes and high blood pressure, I tire easily. I can’t roam the streets anymore,” he told the Deccan Chronicle.

Venkata Ramana’s son Satish, who is into catering, has temporarily taken up the role. “People expect Haridasu to visit during Sankranti. That’s why I asked Satish to join me. Being young, he can cover many more streets than I,” Ramana said.

Similarly, 65‑year‑old Kandula Satyanarayana, who underwent heart surgery, now relies on his grandson to accompany him. “I’m presenting to you the next generation of Haridasu,” he said proudly. His grandson Durga Prasad is learning the kirtans.

Satyanarayana though admits that the younger generation cannot dedicate itself full‑time. “To manage today’s expenses, they must also pursue other jobs,” he underlined.

Traditionally, Haridasas used to sing over 300 kirtans. But few can perform the entire repertoire today. Many of the younger participants balance studies or employment, alongside learning the devotional songs.

Haridasu Venkata Ramana underlined that while senior Haridasas remain in demand for organised Sankranti celebrations, younger ones are often seen singing even while resting, eager to keep the tradition alive.

Satish, who has stepped into his father Ramana’s role during the current festival, acknowledged the financial realities. “The income from Sankranti, Ugadi and Dussehra alone does not support the family,” he maintained.

“That’s why we take on other work. We do not consider Haridasu's work to be lesser; rather, we do other jobs to ensure we earn enough income,” Satish added.