Sankranti Festival

One of the most important festivals of Andhra Pradesh is Makar Sankranti. It’s called Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. The festival marks the end of winter and indicates the beginning of warmer days. It also indicates the movement of the Sun into Makar Raashi (zodiac of Capricorn) and tribute is paid to Surya (Sun god).It is a 4-day long festival starting on January 13 and ending on January 16. The day before Makar Sankranti is known as Bhogi. On this day, people burn old and discarded items outside their homes. This practice signifies the arrival of new energies and prosperity in life. People visit their friends and relatives and exchange sweets. Arisalu - made from rice flour and sesame seeds - is one of the most loved sweets during the festival. On the day of Sankranti, kites are flown by people from all walks of life. It’s a tradition that is followed not only in Andhra Pradesh but across India as well. People play music and soak in the festivities. On the two days that follow, Kanuma and Mukkanuma, people feed animals, particularly cows, in the spirit of charity. Mukkanuma is especially significant for farmers, who offer gifts to their cattle and pray to the elements, such as soil and water, for a good harvest.