SANKRANTI - a festival of Pongal delights

Every year 14th January is celebrated as SANKRANTHI or PONGAL which marks the change of season, when the rays of the sun become perceptibly stronger and we notice an end to the winter in India. This turn in the sun's course takes place at the point of time when it enters the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn. The day-duration increases and the night decreases from the day of Sankranti. Whether we call it Sankranti or Pongal, the period abounds with harvest rituals. City or a village, the charm of this four-day festival continues in Andhra Pradesh State in India. We the Telugus [whose spoken language is Telugu] like to call this festival 'Pedda Panduga' meaning big festival. The whole event lasts for four days, the first day Bhogi [today to celebrate with family members], the second day Sankranti [day dedicated to the worship of Surya-the Sun God ] , the third day Kanuma [day to worship the cattle] and the fourth day, Mukkanuma [day is devoted to merriment and socializing] Notwithstanding the fast changing times, this festival captures the quintessence of `Teluguness' in all its entirety, the traditional practices and customs continue to hold their own even today particularly in villages. Read my collection of an article in telugu language [pdf file ] to reflect how the spirit is still alive in rural places: http://www.suryanarayana.com/resources/SankrantiInVillages.pdf Sankranti is a favourite time to discard the old and welcome the new things & initiatives. Let us celebrate this festival with all delights.
Wish you happy SANKRANTI.