Sankranthi Festivities Begin With Races, Rangoli And Rural Sports
Eluru DSP Sravan Kumar urged people, to celebrate the festival in a traditional way and stay away from gambling, cockfights and cyber fraud
KAKINADA: A festive spirit swept through the Godavari districts on Sunday as Sankranthi celebrations began with colourful competitions, traditional sports and cultural events held across Konaseema, West Godavari and Eluru districts.
In Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, swimming competitions were flagged off at Lolla Locks in Atreyapuram mandal by district collector R. Mahesh Kumar, superintendent of police Rahul Meena and Kothapeta MLA Bandaru Satyananda Rao. Tourism food stalls were also inaugurated at the venue.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Kumar said Konaseema has immense potential to emerge as a major tourism hub, owing to its scenic riverfronts, historic temples and tranquil surroundings. He said dragon boat races, swimming, rangoli, kite-flying and other competitions would continue till January 13, showcasing the richness of Telugu culture and traditions.
MLA Bandaru Satyananda Rao said the Sankranthi Sambaralu were being organised in memory of Sir Arthur Cotton, the architect of the Godavari delta. He said the events were being held between Lolla Locks and Pulidindi village, with swimming competitions open to participants above 14 years of age and rangoli contests for women. Food festivals, boating, jet skis, children’s games and musical programmes are also being organised to promote tourism.
State Cultural Committee chairperson T. Tejaswani and other officials were present.
In West Godavari district, Sankranthi Sambaralu were celebrated at the district collectorate premises, where district collector C. Nagarani, joint collector T. Rahul Kumar Reddy, SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi and government staff took part enthusiastically. Traditional events such as Bhogi bonfire, Gangireddula Aata, bullock cart displays, Haridasu keerthanalu and folk performances were organised. The collector and the SP also took part in a tug-of-war contest.
At Gudivaka village in the Kolleru region of Eluru district, rangoli competitions were held. Eluru DSP Sravan Kumar urged people, especially the youth, to celebrate the festival in a traditional way and stay away from gambling, cockfights and cyber fraud.