SANKRANTI
The Festivities :
The wide range of festivities can better be
witnessed by one along the countryside than in the urban localities. The festivities last
the whole of Dhanurmasam, ending with Sankranti.
Gobbemmalu – Young girls are
seen to put up Gobbemmalu. These are round balls of cow dung that are decorated
with vermilion, turmeric and coloured flowers. These are placed in the middle of the
bright muggus in the front yards of the dwellings and are worshipped with Navadhanyas
(nine types of grains) to welcome the Lakshmi, the Goddess of abundance and
prosperity. Spinsters worship for good husbands on the occasion. After this, the women
folk get gathered to sing and dance to the accompaniment around these gobbis.
 Many a traditional folk form add glory to the
festive scenario. Haridasulu are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking
arms from the people in the early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata, where trained
oxen dance to the tunes of the Nagaswaram played by their master is a great attraction. Kommudasarulu
& PittalaDora are other folklore that brighten the days with their healthy
humour.
Kites – kites are seen soaring
high in the sky on the day of Makara Sankranti. This is symbolic of the existence of
mankind, with the kites depicting the human lives and the manza depicting the
eternal bond between us and the divine self. People however seem to correlate the soaring
kites with their high spirits on the eve. Competitions held with kites of all sizes and
shapes and the sharp edged manza draw people on the terraces and in open grounds to
witness the riot of colours.
Kodi Pandalu, where
cocks are made to fight and betting is done on them, and Edla Pandalu,
i.e., bullock cart races are held as a part and parcel of the festivities. They form a
special attraction of the festive season. The festive fervour in the present days, also
includes Rangoli competitions and other cultural programs.
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