Happy Ugadi Festival 2014 !!

Ugadi is observed as the New Year of SouthIndians (in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka ) marking the new blossoms and the coming of the harvest. It is the first festival of the telugu calender.

'Jaya" is the name of the new telugu year which starts from 31st March 2014.

Ugadi is the New Year's Day for the people of Andhra Pradesh and also for the Telugu people all over the world. Those who live north of the Vindhya hills observe it as "Barhaspatyamana". People living to the south of the Vindhya hills observe it as "Sauramana" or "Chandramana".

According to Chandramana, Ugadi is celebrated on the bright fortnight ('Shukla Paksha') of the first month ('Chaitra Masa') in the first season of the year i.e. Spring ('Vasanta-Ritu'). As all these important elements are present, this day has special significance marking the commencement of a New Year.

Significance:

It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - "Chaitra Suddha Padhyami" or the Ugadi day. Also the calculations of the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya proclaim the Ugadi day as the beginning of the New Year, New month and New day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. The vibrancy of life and verdant fields, meadows full of colourful blossoms signify growth, prosperity and well-being.

With the coming of Ugadi, the naturally perfumed Jasmine's spread a sweet fragrance, which is perhaps unmatched by any other in nature's own creation. While large garlands of Jasmine are offered to Gods in homes and temples, Jasmine flowers woven in clusters adorn the braids of women.

Predictions Of The Year:

Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. On this day, people chant mantras and the pundits make predictions for the coming year. Traditionally, the "Panchangasravanam" or listening to the yearly calendar was done at the temples or at the Town square but with the onset of modern technology, one can get to hear the priest-scholar on television sets right in one's living room.

Preparing For The Occasion:

Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.

Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervour in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in Andhara and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava".

On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after, which they decorate, the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The green mango leaves tied to the doorway signify a good crop and general well being. It is noteworthy that one uses mango leaves and coconuts (as in a 'Kalasam', to initiate any puja) only on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods.

People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colourful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the New Year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.

Every year on 'chaitrasuddha padyami' we celebrate the beginning of our new year. Things that should be done on this day:

Get up early (before dawn ) and take a bath using sesame oil, and bathing powder (the traditional way), get ready with new cloths. Next recite to the Lord Surya our New year resolutions and while offering flowers, holy water, light, insence. After that we savour the 'Vepaputa pachadi' (neemflower concoction). "Nimbhakusumabhakshanam" means...

"Sataayu rvajradaehaayuh sarva sampatkaraaya cha

sarvaarishTa vinaaSaaya, nimBha kusuma bhakshaNam"

this neem flower concoction has tamarind syrup, the flower of mangoes, the flowers of Asoka tree as a few of its many ingredients.

"tvaamashThaSoaka naraabheeshTa! madhumaasa samudbhava!

nibaavi Soakasamtaptaam maamaSoakam sadaa kuru"

which means...

In my life suffering with sorrow i am a bit of the 'asoka'! I serve thee. In the bloom of full spring you blossom oh 'asoka'! You make me free of sorrow!

The tree of asoka has such divine stength.

Special Delicacies:

It is a season for raw mangoes spreading its aroma in the air and the fully blossomed Neem tree that makes the air healthy. Also, jaggery made with fresh crop of sugarcane adds a renewed flavour to the typical dishes associated with Ugadi.

"Ugadi Pachchadi" is one such dish that has become synonymous with Ugadi. It is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces, Neem flowers and new tamarind. The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate that life is a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow and all of them have to be treated alike.

All experiences have to be treated with equanimity. Every one should make a resolve that he will face calmly whatever happens in this year, accepting it with good grace and welcoming everything. Consider everything as for one's own good. Men should rise above sorrow and happiness, success and failure. This is the primary message of the Ugadi festival.

In Andhra Pradesh, eatables such as "Pulihora", "Bobbatlu" and preparations made with raw mango go well with the occasion. In Karnataka too, similar preparations are made but called "Puliogure" and "Holige". The Maharashtrians make "Puran Poli" or sweet 'Rotis'.

Kavi Sammelanam:

Kavi Sammelanam or poetry recitation is a typical Telugu Ugadi feature. Ugadi is also a time when people look forward to a literary feast in the form of Kavi Sammelanam. Many poets come up with new poems written on subjects ranging from Ugadi to politics to modern trends and lifestyles.

When we hear the 'Panchamga sravanam' (foretelling of the year to come) because of 'tidi' we learn about wealth, 'vaaramu' (week) tells us about life, 'nakshatramu' (star) gives us deliverence from sins, 'yogamu' helps us in eradicating disease, 'karanam' tells us about good omens. Hearing the 'Pancamga sravanam' would give us blessings equal to that of offering land, gold, cattle, grain, virgin(like marriage). Hearing the fortunes of great ones would also give us health, wealth and life has many best returns.

Ugadi Kavi Sammelanam is also a launch pad for new and budding poets. It is generally carried live on All India Radio, Hyderabad and the Doordarshan - Hyderabad, following "Panchangasravanam" (New year calendar) narrating the way the New Year would shape up in the lives of people and the state in general. 'Kavis' or poets of many hues - political, comic, satirical reformist, literary and melancholic make an appearance on the Ugadi stage.

Ugadi is thus a festival of many shades. It ushers in the New Year, brings a rich bounce of flora and fills the hearts of people with joy and contentment.

Happy Maha ShivaRatri Wishes!!

Hindus celebrate for an auspicious festival devoted to Bhagwan Shivaji and is referred as Maha-Shivaratri (Sivaratri). The name MahaShivaratri when translated to english is known as  ’Night of Shiva’. Hindus celebrate and perform most of the religious ceremonies during the nighttime.  MahaShivaratri is a Hinduism festival celebrated yearly  during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha or Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar.

Bhagwan Shivaji, also referred as Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on the day we now call Shivaratri. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Lord Shiva’s dance and poses of Tandava have influenced positions in Yoga and the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam.

Hindus and Shivaji devotees repeat the spiritual and holy chant ’OM NAMAH SHIVAYA’. Sages and religious tradition says those who utters the various Names of Shiva during Maha Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration are freed from their sins and reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and lives stress-free & happy. Many devotees and hindu pilgrims travel to historic and auspicious Shiva temples, which reside mostly in India and south asia.

Maha Shivaratri is not celebrated it's  a time of spiritual healing everywhere. 

May the Choicest Blessings of Lord Shiva shower on us always !!

Wishing you all a very Happy Maha Shiva Ratri!!

Happy Ratha Saptami Wishes!!

Divya's Cooking Journey Wishing You All a Very Happy Ratha Saptami!!

Lord Sri Rama Song ------bhaLi bhaLi rAma pamtapu rAma

Hi friends,This song was came to know by one of my friend Sudha Rani Garu.Soon I started searching about the audio /Video  , I found it from "Srihari-Rasaanandam" album.So here I am sharing the Lyrics and the audio link.Enjoy it!!

భళి భళి రామ పంతపు రామ నీ-
బలిమి కెదురు లేరు భయహర రామా

విలువిద్య రామా వీరవిక్రమ రామ
తలకొన్నతాటకాంతక రామా
కొలయై ఖరుని తలగుండుగండ రామా
చలమరి సమరపు జయరామ రామా

రవికులరామా రావణాంతక రామ
రవిసుతముఖకపిరాజ రామ
సవర(గా కొండలచే జలధిగట్టిన రామ
జవసత్త్వసంపన్న జానకీరామా

కౌసల్యారామా కరుణానిధిరామ
భూసురవరద సంభూతరామా
వేసాల పొరలే శ్రీవేంకటాద్రిరామ
దాసులమమ్ము కావ(దలకొన్న రామా


bhaLi bhaLi rAma pamtapu rAma nI-
balimi keduru lEru bhayahara rAmA

viluvidya rAmA vIravikrama rAma
talakonnatATakAMtaka rAmA
kolayai kharuni talaguMDugaMDa rAmA
chalamari samarapu jayarAma rAmA

ravikularAmA rAvaNAMtaka rAma
ravisutamukhakapirAja rAma
savara(gA koMDalachE jaladhigaTTina rAma
javasattwasaMpanna jAnakIrAmA

kausalyArAmA karuNAnidhirAma
bhUsuravarada saMbhUtarAmA
vEsAla poralE SrIvEMkaTAdrirAma
dAsulamammu kAva(dalakonna rAmA


You can listen from :

 http://ww.smashits.com/srihari-rasaanandam/bhali-bhali-rama/song-345070.html ( Copy & Paste it on your browser )

Happy Vasant Panchami!!

Vasant Panchami, the Festival of Kites, falls on Panchami of the Sukal Paksh ( Waxing moon) towards the close of winter in the month of January-February. The weather circle seems to be changing otherwise Vasant used to bring a message of softness in the weather in place of the hard cold season. Vasant is the time when mustard fields are yellow with it the spring is ushered in. So Punjabis welcome the change and celebrate the day by wearing yellow clothes, holding feasts and by organizing kite flying. 

Birthday of Goddess Saraswati:

It is believed that on this day goddess Saraswati was born. Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami with great fervor in temples, homes and even schools and colleges. Saraswati’s favorite color white assumes special significance on this day. Statues of the goddess are dressed in white clothes and are worshiped by devotees adorning white garments. Saraswati is offered sweets which are given away as ‘prasad’ to all people attending the ritual worship. There is also a custom of ancestor worship, known as ‘Pitri-Tarpan’ in many parts of India during Vasant Panchami.

The Foundation of Education:

The most significant aspect of Vasant Panchami is that it is also the most auspicious day to begin laying one’s foundations of education – of how to read and write. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day. All Hindu educational institutions conduct special prayer for Saraswati on this day. It is also a great day to inaugurate training institutes and new schools – a trend made famous by the renowned Indian educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861-1946), who founded the Banaras Hindu University on Vasant Panchami day in 1916.

A Springtime Celebration:

During Vasant Panchami, the advent of spring is felt in the air as the season undergoes change. New leaves and blossoms appear in the trees with the promise of new life and hope. Vasant Panchami also announces the arrival of another big springtime event in the Hindu calendar - Holi, the festival of colors.

Saraswati Mantra: Sanskrit Prayer:

Here is the text of the popular 'pranam mantra' or Sanskrit prayer, Saraswati devotees utter with utmost devotion on this day:

Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney |

Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey ||

Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey |

Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey ||

Saraswati Vandana: Sanskrit Hymn:

The following hymn is also recited on Vasant Panchami:

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha| 

Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasana|| 

Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha|

Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa||

English Translation:

"May Goddess Saraswati, 

who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, 

and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops; 

who is adorned in radiant white attire, 

on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, 

and whose throne is a white lotus; 

who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me. 

May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."

Spiritual Significance:

  Hindus all over the world celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm, as it is believed to be the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, the God principle of motion (gati), Who is also associated with the creation of the Universe. She is the Energy (Shakti) related to the male deity, Lord Brahma.

Rituals and Celebrations:

The most significant aspect of this day is that Hindu children are taught reading and writing their first words on this day - as it is considered an auspicious day to begin a child's education. Educational institutions organize special prayers for Saraswati on this day. The great Indian guru Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya laid the foundations of the world-class academic institution, Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya on Vasant Panchami. 

The lady of the house dressed in yellow with zari and gota on the dress, looking like Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu (a housewife is always alluded to as Lakshmi and no other goddess) with the chonp, bindi on the forehead and yellow and red bangles on the arms, sets the trend for everyone to become festive.

The puja is begun by the youngest girl present by applying the teeka on everyone's forehead and then, by turns, everyone sprinkling water, aipun and roli by the third finger of the right hand dipped in each liquid, by turn, holding the finger each time by the thumb loosely and then letting it go with a light jerk,',so as to sprinkle the attached liquid onto the deity. This is done three times with each liquid. The rice and flowers are picked up by the fingers and thumb and showered on to the gods. Everyone puts a little colour onto the gods. The heralding of summer begins with a bit of color sprinkled even today (before Holi) on the gods. The lady of the house then takes a few ber's, some sangaris and a laddoo and a paan (the same paan along with the nariyal can be given to everyone since paan is now a very expensive item) and gives them to each member present. This activity can be done in two installments as it is difficult to hold all these items at one time. The receiver takes the offerings in both hands and touches them to the giver his or her forehead and returns these items to the giver, but from the second installment, he or she must take one or two items at least and eat them in the puja room.

Happy Republic Day

Wishing You all a Very Happy Republic Day !!

Happy Bhogi,Makara Sankranthi & Kanuma Festival to All!!

Hi Friends,Hope you all had a wonderful darshan and blessings on "Mukkoti Ekadasi "day.Soon after this ,I am very happy to celebrate the Big Festival i.e.Bhogi,Makara Sankranti & Kanuma.

Before celebrating this Festival one month preceeding Dhanurmasam starts and from that day onwards all the household ladies and young girls start decorating the households and entrance of the door with a decorative Muggulu,Rangoli,Kolam in the early hours or at night time also .This is known as "Nelapattatam".

I like to draw free-hand designs than dot muggulu only up to 15 straight dots I can, as it time-taking for me to put ,but I can join the design if any one put dots.I remember the words of my mother she used to say "If some one see's my Muggu ,they will be confused in counting of dots" the reason behind is I used to design any Muggu with free-hand and finally as a touch-up I put some dots!!

Even now also I am very lazy to draw a Muggu with dots ,so I am continuing the free-hand designs for any Festival or Occassion.

This is my Flash-back memories for the Muggu.

So friends coming to the Festival January 13,14,15 dates are for the Festival according to my Place 

/Location calendar.

So Friends Here is about the Festival

                 SANKRANTHI

This festival is celebrated in Andhra for 4 days mainly

1. Bhogi

2. Sankranthi

3. Kanuma

4. Mukkanuma

Sankranti is a National festival in India.

North India: Festival known as Makar Sankranti

Andhra Pradesh:Festival known as Sankranthi

Tamil Nadu:Festival known as Pongal

 Punjab:Festival known as Lohri & Maghi

Sankranthi day marks the arrival in the farmer’s houses of the grains that are the fruit of their labors. Sankranthi is a holy festival for a worldy achievement.  It is also a cherished day of rest in the cool atmosphere.  Some of colourful and joyful events of this festival are keeping Muggulu (Rangoli), Gangiredhulu(sacred bull), Hari dasu coming home with singing..

All the above said events starts even 10 to 15 days before the festival arrives…indicating us that the festival is coming…

MUGGULU :

 Rangoli area in front of the house is neatly cleaned and wetted with cow dung mixed water.  When the land become half dry, women and young ladies start decorating the area with rangoli called as MUGGULU.  It is kept with white colour powder which is taken from stone or with rice flour. 

 Young girls will be very enthusiastic to keep this muggulu..they will practice all large and typical designs to decorate in front of their homes..since every house front decorated with this rangoli..there will a king of race between this muggulu..girls will be energetic and active to keep a larger , typical and also a wonderful rangoli than their neighbours. 

Some even decorate these muggulu with colours and flowers.. as it is the season for marigold flowers..girls will decorate their muggulu with the petals of the marigold flowers.  People also make garland with this marigold  flowers and decorate it to the main door of their houses. 

Gobbemmalu:

 The main attraction of this muggulu in SANKRANTHI time is GOBBEMMALU(cow dung balls).  This Gobbemmalu are cow dung balls which are kept on Muggu(Rangoli), which is designed to invite prosperity and bliss into the house. 

 Gobbemmalu are decorated with pasupu(turmeric powder), Kumkuma (red vermion powder) and with several grain types.  They also decorated with flowers(garlands).

Young girls decorate themselves with ornaments and new dress..preferably (langa voni) half saree(pattu langa) full skirt..they will gather and dance around these gobbemmalu along with singing.  

GANGIREDDU(holy bull):

Gangireddu is a sacred bull, which is decorated with beautiful clothes and ringing bells.  The person who takes round the decorated bull is called Gangireddudasu.  He wears a special dress on this occasion.  The very sight of gangireddudasu fascinates children.  They are the people of a caste who are dedicated to receive charities from other people.

Gangireddudasu makes gangireddu(bull) to dance.  The scene clearly depicts bull’s obedience to his master.  Gangireddudasu sings songs and gangireddu dances according to his master’s song.

HARI DASU: 

‘Haridasulu’ in their colourful attire were a feast for the eyes during Pongal.  This is another tradition, which has almost disappeared from cities and urban areas.  Thankfully, they are still patronized and honoured in the rural areas.  The Haridasulu carry a copper vessel, made in the form of a pumpkin, on their head.  They carry ‘chidathalu’(cymbals) in one hand and a tambura in the other and go from house to house singing,”Harilo Ranga Hari”, and the glory of Lord Mahavishnu. 

Many a traditional folk form add glory to the festive scenario. Haridasulu (Madhwas) are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking arms from the people in the early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata, is another festival where trained oxen dance to the tunes of the Nagaswaram played by their master is a great attraction - probably not too many in Auckland. Kommudasarulu & PittalaDora are other folklore that brighten the days with their healthy humour - 

The Haridasulu tie anklets to their feet and apply ‘Namas’(markings with sandalwood paste) on their forehead.  They have to wear only saffron clothes during the auspicious month(Dhanurmasam).  It is believed that the Haridasulu are a replica of sage Narada, a devotee of Mahavishnu, who comes to bless his devotees.  The people wash his feet, pay their obeisance and seek his blessings.  The Haridasulu take rice from the vessel and sprinkle them on devotees to bless them.  It is believed that the Haridasulu should never be turned away without giving any alms.  They accept rice,money, vegetables and other offerings.

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 of Makara sankranti. 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 .

1st day BOGHI: 

BOGHI day is the first day of the sankranthi festival.  A ritual observed today is ‘BHOGHI MANTALU’(BON FIRE) when useless household things and old clothes are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow dung cakes.  Youngsters sing and dance around the bonfire.

The significance of the bonfire , in which is burnt the agricultural wastes and firewood is to keep warm during the last lap of winter.  Whole family keep oil to body and take bath.  Then pray GOD by doing puja and all..later guys will be busy in flying kites and girls in dancing round the gobbemmalu. There is a special making even in the food.  Sunnundalu(urad dhal laddu) is the food item taken on bhogi day after praying god. 

  

At the lunch time instead of normal rice PULAGAM / ATHESARA is made.  It is taken with the combination of PACHIPULUSU(raw rasam).

“Bhogi Pandlu” is a special ritual to be performed on the evening of Bhogi day.  On Bhogi, the children are dressed up with new dresses.  They are given Aarti and Bhogi Pandlu(Bhogi Pallu – a special mixture of gooseberries, food material, sugarcane and rice) are showered on the heads of children to protect them from the evil forces. 

Sweets in generous quantities are prepared and distributed. It is a time for families to congregate. Brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving gifts as affirmation of their filial love.

 Landlords give gifts of food, clothes and money to their workforce.

2nd day SANKRANTHI: PEDDA PANDUGA (main festival)

Makara Sankranti , also called "Pedda Panduga" , which literally means "the big festival", when everyone wears new clothes, prays to God, and make offerings of traditional food to ancestors who have died. 

Travel is considered to be inappropriate, as these days are dedicated for re-union of the families. Sankranti in this sense demonstrates their strong cultural values as well as a time for change and transformation. And finally, gurus seek out their devotees to bestow blessings on them.

Mythology and cultural significance

1. According to the Puranas, on this day Suryudu (Sun) visits the house of his son Shani(Saturn), who is the lord of the Makar rashi(Zodiac Capricorn). Though the father and son duo did not get along well, the Surya made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son’s house, for a month. This day thus symbolizes the importance of the special relationship between father and son. 

2. From Makar Sankranti starts the ‘day’ of devatas (Gods), while dakshinayana (southward movement of the sun) is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called as Devayana, and the dakshinayana' is called Pitrayana.

3. It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terror of the Asuras (Demons) by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata. So this occasion also represents the end of 'negativities' and beginning of an era of righteous living. 

4. Maharaja Bhagiratha, performed great penance to bring Ganga down to the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Maharaj Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni Ashram, near the present day Ganga Sagar. It was on this day that Bhagirath finally did tarpan with the Ganges water for his unfortunate ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse. 

After visiting the Pataala(underworld) for the redemption of the curse of Bhagirath’s ancestors the Ganges finally merged into the sea. A very big Ganga Sagar Mela is organized every year on this day at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of Hindus take a dip in the water and perform tarpan for their ancestors. 

5. Another well-known reference of this day came when the great grand-sire of Mahabharata fame, Bhishma, declared his intent to leave his mortal coil on this day. He had the boon of Ichha-Mrityu(death at his will) from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left his mortal coil on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration(rebirth).  

On this Sankranti day also the Puja and all will be performed and different kind of sweets are made and offered to god as naivedyam.  ARISALU is the traditional sweet item made for this sankranthi festival. 

BOMMALA KOLUVU:  In the evening BOMMALA KOLUVU is arranged.

3rd day KANUMA: 

 Kanuma is the third day of the festival, Sankranti.  According to Hindu mythology, on this day Lord Sri Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill(Govardhana Giri-Govardhana Giridhari is one of Krishna’s names).

Once Lord Indra, with his headstrong poured a heavy rain on Gokulam(Sri Krishna’s place). 

 People of Gokulam prayed to Krishna to save them from the cyclone.  At that time Sri Krishna was just about 10 years.  But without any fear, the Lord lifted the hill with his small finger.

Thus Indra realized that Sri Krishna is non other than Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and bowed on the Lord’s his feet.  

This day, the cows and buffaloes are worshipped and thanked for ploughing the fields and contributing to the harvest.  A famous saying goes..’no meat should be eaten this day’ it’s a respect we are giving our animal friends!! And people make and eat ‘GARELU’!

4th day and the final day MUKKANUMA      

  

                

Mukkanuma is the final day of Sankranti celebrations.  On this day people arrange huge feasts, invite friends and relatives. In some places, on Mukkanuma bullock cart races,kites Flying  and cock fightings are held.