Hyderabad, January 14, 2026: Telangana ushered in the vibrant three-day harvest festival of Sankranti on Wednesday with the celebration of Bhogi, the first day of the festivities. Across the state, residents lit bonfires early in the morning, following the age-old tradition of discarding old and unwanted household items, symbolising the triumph of new beginnings and prosperity.

Bhogi, Makara Sankranti, and Kanuma together constitute the three-day festival observed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, each day holding its own distinct cultural and ritual significance. Bhogi, celebrated on the first day, is considered a prelude to the main harvest celebrations, symbolising the purging of negativity and welcoming positivity and abundance.

State Leadership Extends Greetings

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and BRS chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao extended their greetings to the public on the occasion of Bhogi. In a press communique from the Lok Bhavan, Governor Varma highlighted the timeless cultural and agricultural importance of Bhogi and Sankranti.

“Bhogi heralds the dawn with vibrant bonfires that purge the old and welcome prosperity,” the Governor said. He elaborated on the broader celebrations of Sankranti, which include spectacular kite-flying, rhythmic Kolatam dances, and communal feasts featuring freshly harvested paddy, sugarcane, and sesame sweets. According to him, these festivities embody the agrarian spirit of Telangana and strengthen community bonds.

“Bhogi and Sankranti are not just festivals; they are celebrations of our heritage and agricultural bounty. They ignite immense enthusiasm across villages and towns. May they inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity, and prosperity, bringing happiness, good health, and enduring well-being to every household in Telangana,” Governor Varma said.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Highlights Development Goals

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy extended his wishes to the people, hoping that Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma bring prosperity and joy into everyone’s lives. Speaking through a release from the Chief Minister’s Office, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare schemes reach those in need.

“The government is determined to implement the Telangana Rising 2047 vision document effectively, driving growth in agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and services sectors,” the CM said. He also urged citizens to celebrate the festival while following safety measures, particularly during kite-flying activities, which are a central attraction during Sankranti.

Cultural Significance and Traditions

Bhogi, observed with bonfires, marks a symbolic cleansing of the old and the ushering in of new opportunities. Families burn old household items and agricultural waste, reflecting the idea of letting go of the past to embrace renewal. Villagers and city residents alike participate enthusiastically, gathering around the bonfires, singing traditional songs, and offering prayers for a prosperous year ahead.

Makara Sankranti, the second day, coincides with the sun’s transition into Capricorn, signifying longer days and the end of winter. It is celebrated with kite flying, sumptuous feasts, and community gatherings. Kanuma, the final day of the festival, is dedicated to cattle, an essential part of agricultural life, acknowledging their role in sustaining farming communities.

The festival also serves as a reminder of the state’s agrarian roots, celebrating the harvest and paying respect to nature and the hard work of farmers. Traditional foods such as pongal, sugarcane sweets, sesame laddoos, and other delicacies are prepared and shared, symbolising prosperity and gratitude.

Safety and Community Participation

Both the Governor and the Chief Minister emphasised safety during festivities, especially concerning bonfires and kite-flying, which often lead to accidents if precautions are not observed. Citizens were urged to celebrate responsibly, preserving the joy and spirit of the festival while avoiding hazards.

Conclusion

As Telangana celebrates Bhogi and looks forward to the subsequent days of Sankranti and Kanuma, the festival reflects not only cultural traditions but also a celebration of community, agricultural abundance, and new beginnings. The state leadership’s messages underscore a blend of cultural pride and developmental aspirations, linking the joy of the harvest festival with the vision of a prosperous and progressive Telangana.