BHOGI AND MAKAR SANKRANTI CELEBRATED IN ODISHA
Odishabarta
Berhampur: Bhogi is the first day of a four-day Pongal festival known as Makar Sankranti. It is majorly celebrated in the southern states of Odisha.
The Bhogi festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra who is also known as the god of rain. Lord Indra is worshiped by many farmers as he is expected to bring prosperity and happiness to the land.Furthermore, farmers in the country worship Indra to receive a good harvest thereby bringing wealth and prosperity. They also worship their ploughs and other farm equipment on this day.
On the occasion of Bhogi, people discard their old and useless household items, wood, and clothes among others. These items are thrown into fire which is made of wood and cow-dung cakes.
The ritual is called as “Bhogi mantalu” and is aimed at getting rid of old and negative things from your life and focus on new beginnings. Women wear new clothes and chant mantras around the holy fire.
Similarly, People across Odisha celebrated the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Devotees took holy dip in ponds, tanks and rivers and visited temples in early morning to get a glimpse of their revered Lord. Many of them believe that a ritual bath on Makar Sankranti would wash away their sins.
Thousands of devotees gathered at Puri Jagannath temple to seek blessings of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
In southern districts of Odisha, people decorated the front of their houses with colourful rangoli to celebrate Pongal today. The festival is mainly celebrated by the people belonging to Telugu community.
On this auspicious occasion, people prepared a special dish made with newly harvested rice, sugar, banana, coconut and black pepper and offered it to the gods. Another special dish, ‘Makar Chaula’, is also prepared on the occasion. The devotees exchange the special dish among themselves.
