Hyderabad, Jan 14 (PTI) The three-day Sankrantifestivities began in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh today with'Bhogi' being celebrated with fervour on the first day.
Bhogi 'mantalu' (bonfire) were lit at dawn outside thehomes. The bonfire is lit with logs of wood and woodenfurniture that is no longer useful.
Derelict things at home are also thrown into the fire.
The disposal of derelict things symbolises the sacrifice ofold habits, vices and attachment to material things.
Traditionally, women spray cow dung and water in frontof the house and draw colourful 'muggulu' (rangoli) and keep'gobbemmalu' (cow dung balls) decorated with turmeric, kumkumand flowers on the rangoli.
In the evenings, 'Bhogi pallu' (Indian jujube) areshowered on children seeking their health and prosperity.
The Telangana government is organising 'kite festival'and a 'World Sweet Festival' at the Parade Grounds here on theoccasion of the festival.
People from about 25 states and some foreigncountries, who live in Hyderabad, are participating in theSweet Festival. However, those engaged in sweets business arenot allowed to participate in the event.
The second day of the festival is 'Makara Sankranti'and the last day of the festival is 'Kanuma', when livestockare worshipped. PTI SJRNP.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.