Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh – Andhra Pradesh marked the arrival of Bhogi, the first day of the four-day Sankranti festival, with religious devotion, traditional enthusiasm, and a widespread sense of cultural celebration on Wednesday. Across towns, villages, and temple precincts, the state came alive with the glow of Bhogi bonfires, a symbolic ritual signifying the discarding of the old and the welcoming of new beginnings, setting the tone for the larger harvest festivities that follow.

The celebrations were particularly vibrant at the renowned Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple, where the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) organised age-old Bhogi bonfire rituals within and around the Srivari Temple complex. The temple premises were illuminated with flickering flames and devotional chants, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere that drew devotees from across India. The faithful thronged the hill shrine in large numbers, expressing immense joy and a sense of spiritual fulfillment after having the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. A TTD official shared that the temple authorities had ensured that traditional customs were meticulously followed, preserving the sanctity and historical continuity of the festival.

In districts such as Prakasam, residents welcomed Bhogi early in the morning by lighting bonfires in their homes and streets, a practice that carries deep symbolic significance. These fires, traditionally composed of old wooden items, household waste, and agricultural residues, represent the burning away of the past, purging negativity, and making space for a fresh start. Across villages, people gathered collectively, engaging in lively conversations and festive exchanges as the flames rose, a sight that underscored the communal essence of Bhogi. Many families, living away from their native towns due to work or studies, returned specifically to celebrate the festival with their loved ones, keeping alive traditions passed down over generations.

While Bhogi celebrations highlight the vibrant spirit of Andhra Pradesh’s agrarian and cultural heritage, they also bring attention to the gradual fading of certain age-old traditions. One such tradition is that of the Haridasus, devotional singers who have historically been an integral part of Sankranti festivities. Once widely respected and popular for their devotional performances, the Haridasu community now faces challenges in sustaining their traditional livelihood.

In Gangadevippalle village of Prakasam district, around ten Haridasu families continue to practise the art form, traveling from town to town during Sankranti in search of opportunities to perform. Haridasu Mastan, a practitioner for the past 18 years, explained that he and his fellow performers go door to door, dressed in traditional attire, singing hymns and devotional songs to announce the arrival of Sankranti and remind people of its spiritual and cultural significance. “Earlier, there was immense respect and popularity for Haridasus, but today the response is not as encouraging as before,” Mastan said, expressing concern that younger generations were increasingly disconnected from these customs. He urged the public, especially the youth, to recognise the importance of preserving these cultural practices, which carry both spiritual meaning and historical continuity.

The political leadership of the state also joined in extending warm greetings to the public on the occasion of Bhogi. Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer conveyed his heartfelt wishes, highlighting the symbolic essence of the festival. In a message, the Governor emphasised that Bhogi represents renewal, gratitude, and prosperity, and reflects the rich agrarian traditions and cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. He wished that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to all citizens, reinforcing the collective spirit and shared values inherent in these celebrations.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also shared his greetings with the people through a post on X (formerly Twitter), extending heartfelt wishes to the Telugu community celebrating the festival. The Chief Minister’s message captured the vibrancy of Bhogi celebrations, referring to the brightly lit bonfires and the colourful rangolis that adorn homes across the state. He expressed the hope that the festival would illuminate lives with joy, new beginnings, and renewed energy, strengthening familial and social bonds.

Similarly, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the YSR Congress Party supremo and former Chief Minister, conveyed his wishes on the occasion of Bhogi, as well as the subsequent Sankranti and Kanuma festivities. In his message on X, he described Bhogi as symbolising the burning away of negativity and evil, Sankranti as the welcoming of happiness and prosperity, and Kanuma as a celebration of affection for livestock. Reddy expressed the hope that these festivals together would bring good health, joy, and well-being to all families in Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the holistic significance of the harvest season.

Beyond the ceremonial and political aspects, Bhogi celebrations in Andhra Pradesh retain deep social and cultural meaning. The festival is intricately linked to the agricultural calendar, marking the onset of the harvest season, when farmers rejoice in the fruits of their labour. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human life with nature, a reflection of gratitude for a bountiful harvest, and an opportunity to strengthen community ties. Lighting bonfires, singing devotional songs, and participating in family rituals are expressions of continuity and resilience, linking modern life with centuries-old traditions.

In villages and towns, the festival is also an occasion for storytelling, folk performances, and local culinary traditions. Special dishes are prepared, often involving freshly harvested grains and produce, reinforcing the agrarian roots of the celebration. Streets and public spaces are decorated, music fills the air, and children participate enthusiastically in the festivities, making the experience an intergenerational one. These practices contribute not only to the vibrancy of the festival but also to the preservation of cultural memory, ensuring that the values and rituals of the past are not lost.

Despite the challenges faced by traditional practitioners such as the Haridasus, Bhogi continues to thrive as a festival that unites communities across social and geographical boundaries. It is a time when families reunite, neighbours come together, and a sense of collective joy permeates daily life. The festival’s emphasis on renewal, whether through the symbolic burning of old items or the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, resonates deeply with the human desire for fresh starts and positive transformation.

As Andhra Pradesh celebrated Bhogi this year, the combination of spiritual devotion, cultural rituals, and festive exuberance highlighted the enduring appeal of the festival. From the glowing bonfires in Tirumala to the street-level celebrations in rural villages, from the songs of the Haridasus to the colourful rangolis decorating homes, every element reflected a living tradition, rich in meaning and vitality. The messages from political leaders and the active participation of citizens alike underscored the continued relevance of Bhogi in modern life, not only as a marker of the harvest season but also as a symbol of renewal, hope, and the enduring cultural heritage of the Telugu people.

In sum, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh was not merely a day of ritual or celebration; it was a reaffirmation of shared values, community spirit, and respect for tradition. It brought together generations, reinforced the connection between human effort and natural bounty, and celebrated the cyclical rhythm of life and renewal. As the bonfires burned brightly across homes and temple complexes, they symbolised more than just warmth and light—they reflected a collective aspiration for prosperity, harmony, and spiritual fulfilment that defines the essence of Andhra Pradesh’s Sankranti celebrations.