Telugu community in Ganjam celebrates ‘bhogi’ on 1st day of Pongal
Berhampur: The Telugu community in Ganjam district kicked off their three-day Pongal celebrations with ‘bhogi’ on Monday, marking the start of the harvest festival.
Berhampur came alive with traditional bonfires on the first day, where community members burned old clothes and household items as part of a ritual cleansing ceremony. Cultural performances added colour to the festivities.
A special celebration near Prakasam Hall, featuring decorated bullock carts, was a highlight of the day. Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy and mayor Sanghamitra Dalei attended the event. “Pongal is not just a harvest festival, here, it also symbolizes harmony and brotherhood,” said Panigrahy.
P Satyanarayana, chairman of Andhra Bhasabhivardhani Samajam, highlighted the festival’s nationwide significance among Telugu people. The festival also marked the conclusion of Gobbi, a month-long ritual observed by women, during which young girls adorned their homes with rangolis.
On the second day, families will exchange greetings and share ‘pongali,’ a traditional dish made from freshly harvested rice, dal, jaggery and dry fruits. “Pongal is an auspicious day when we remember our forefathers and offer them food,” explained Shankar Rao, a local businessman. The festival will conclude with ‘kanuma’, dedicated to cattle worship and related rituals.
Berhampur came alive with traditional bonfires on the first day, where community members burned old clothes and household items as part of a ritual cleansing ceremony. Cultural performances added colour to the festivities.
A special celebration near Prakasam Hall, featuring decorated bullock carts, was a highlight of the day. Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy and mayor Sanghamitra Dalei attended the event. “Pongal is not just a harvest festival, here, it also symbolizes harmony and brotherhood,” said Panigrahy.
P Satyanarayana, chairman of Andhra Bhasabhivardhani Samajam, highlighted the festival’s nationwide significance among Telugu people. The festival also marked the conclusion of Gobbi, a month-long ritual observed by women, during which young girls adorned their homes with rangolis.
On the second day, families will exchange greetings and share ‘pongali,’ a traditional dish made from freshly harvested rice, dal, jaggery and dry fruits. “Pongal is an auspicious day when we remember our forefathers and offer them food,” explained Shankar Rao, a local businessman. The festival will conclude with ‘kanuma’, dedicated to cattle worship and related rituals.
