Bhogi 2024
Bhogi is celebrated in the Southern states of India as the first day of the 4-day harvest festival of Pongal. It is the day of discarding everything old and thus bringing in new fortune and prosperity in their lives.
When is Bhogi celebrated?
Bhogi falls on the first day of the Pongal celebration. It is celebrated on the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi. This is celebrated during Makar Sankranti when the sun changes its position from the south to the North hemisphere. According to the English calendar, it falls between January 13 and 16.
The spiritual significance of Bhogi
Bhogi is the day dedicated to Lord Indra—the deity of rain and clouds. Farmers worship Indra to seek his blessings for a good harvest that would bring wealth and prosperity to them. Hence this day is also known as Indran.
Rituals of Bhogi
People discard all old things at home on this day marking the beginning of a new era. Houses are cleaned and white-washed on this day and are decorated with marigold flowers, mango leaves and new things.
Floral designs called ‘kolam’ with freshly harvested rice flour paste and red markings are made by women of the house as per traditions. Pumpkin flowers are added to these designs as well. Fresh cow dung cakes called ‘gobbemma’ are placed within these designs and earthen lamps are lit over them. Food is cooked with freshly harvested rice, sugarcane and turmeric on this day.
Farmers worship their ploughs and other equipments on this day. The instruments are smeared with kumkum and sandalwood paste and offerings are made to the Sun God and Mother Earth before the first paddy is cut on this day.
Bhogi Mantalu is a ritual that is practiced in some areas. Here a bonfire is lit with cow dung cake and wood and all old items and clothes are sacrificed in this fire. All agricultural and household waste like old mats and broom sticks are thrown into the fire. Women of the family chant mantra and sing songs of praise of the Gods while taking rounds around the holy fire. Women wear new clothes and ornaments after taking a holy dip on this day.
Pongal Panai is a ritual that follows Bhogi, during which new earthern pots are painted and decorated with flowers and mango leaves. As a mark of the festive mood, the horns of buffaloes in the village are often painted and decorated by the local people.
This day signifies family get-togethers and meeting friends and relatives.
Bhogi pallu is prepared by keeping freshly harvested rice and fruits along with money; this is then distributed among children.
This festival is marked with activities such as rangoli making and rural sports such as kite flying, cock fights and bull fighting.
