Sankranti: A Grand Celebration of Andhra's Culture and Heritage : Andhra Famous Festivals

Historical Background: The Roots of Sankranti

Sankranti derives its name from the Sanskrit term "Sankramana," meaning the movement or transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). Historically, this festival has been a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and honor the natural elements that make life possible. Ancient scriptures and legends suggest that Sankranti marks the victory of the Sun God over darkness, symbolizing prosperity and hope.

• Mythological Connection:
  In Hindu mythology, Sankranti is believed to commemorate the day when Lord Vishnu vanquished demons and buried their heads under the Mandara Mountain. It also signifies the time when Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his mortal body during Uttarayanam, as it is considered the most auspicious time to attain salvation.

When and How Sankranti Occurs

Sankranti follows the solar calendar, unlike most Indian festivals that adhere to the lunar calendar. It falls on January 14 or 15 each year, making it one of the few festivals with a fixed date. This period also marks the beginning of the Rabi crop harvest season in India.

Grand Celebrations of Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh

Day 1: Bhogi – Out with the Old, In with the New

• Symbolism: Bhogi represents cleansing and renewal. People discard old, worn-out items, symbolizing the shedding of negativity and welcoming positivity.
• Rituals:
  • Families light the Bhogi bonfire early in the morning.
  • Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with fresh mango leaves.
  • Women create intricate Muggu (rangoli) patterns with white powder and natural colors, adding a touch of turmeric and kumkum for auspiciousness.

Day 2: Makara Sankranti – The Main Festival

• Significance: This day celebrates the Sun's movement into Capricorn, marking the onset of longer days and warmer weather.
• Key Rituals:
  • Special pujas are performed to honor Surya Bhagwan (Sun God).
  • Fresh harvests like rice, jaggery, sugarcane, and turmeric are offered during prayers.
  • Families exchange gifts and sweets, reinforcing bonds of love and unity.

Day 3: Kanuma – Gratitude to Livestock

• Cattle Worship: Farmers honor their livestock by bathing and decorating them with colorful paint, flowers, and bells.
• Cultural Activities: Villages host bullock cart races, buffalo fights, and other traditional games.
• Community Gatherings: Families visit each other, share festive meals, and enjoy communal harmony.

Day 4: Mukkanuma – A Feast for All

In some regions, Mukkanuma is observed as the fourth day, primarily celebrated by rural communities. On this day:

• Non-vegetarian feasts are prepared.
• Farmers pray for the health and well-being of their animals and agricultural tools.

Festive Cuisine of Sankranti

The culinary delights of Sankranti are a feast for the senses. These dishes not only satiate hunger but also symbolize the abundance of the harvest.

1. Sweet Pongal (Chakkara Pongal):
   A delectable rice dish made with jaggery, ghee, cashews, and raisins.
2. Pulihora:
   Tamarind rice with spices and peanuts, an integral part of festive meals.
3. Ariselu:
   A deep-fried dessert made with rice flour and jaggery, flavored with sesame seeds.
4. Bellam Gavvalu:
   A sweet delicacy shaped like shells and coated with jaggery syrup.
5. Murukulu and Janthikalu:
   Savory snacks made with rice flour and spices, enjoyed during the festive season.

Games and Entertainment During Sankranti

Sankranti is synonymous with fun and frolic, bringing together people of all ages.

• Kite Flying:
  The skies come alive with colorful kites, symbolizing freedom and joy. Competitions are often organized to see who can cut others' kites.
• Cockfights:
  A traditional sport popular in rural Andhra Pradesh, attracting large crowds.
• Bull Races:
  Farmers proudly display the strength and agility of their bulls in competitive races.
• Kolam Competitions:
  Women showcase their creativity by designing elaborate rangoli patterns.

               Also read : Best Tourist places in Andhra Pradesh : Borra Caves 

Unique Traditions of Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh

1. Haridasulu and Gangireddu:
   • Haridasulu, dressed in vibrant attire, sing devotional songs and go door to door with a decorated bull (Gangireddu), spreading blessings and joy.
2. Padi Pantalu (Field Visits):
   • Villagers gather in fields to offer prayers, share food, and celebrate the harvest together.
3. Sharing and Giving:
• Sankranti emphasizes charity, with people distributing food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate.

Sankranti's Relevance in Modern Times

Despite the changing times, Sankranti continues to hold its charm, blending tradition with modernity. Urban areas celebrate the festival with equal fervor, often organizing cultural programs, food festivals, and rangoli exhibitions. The festival serves as a reminder of India's agrarian roots and the importance of gratitude and community bonding.

New Movie Releases: A Key Part of Sankranti Celebrations

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festival of Sankranti is not just about traditions, food, and games—it also marks one of the most significant times of the year for Telugu cinema. Over the years, Sankranti has become synonymous with blockbuster movie releases, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festive mood.

Why Sankranti is a Prime Time for Movie Releases

1. Holiday Season:

   • Sankranti is a multi-day festival where schools, colleges, and offices often close, giving families ample time to enjoy outings.
   • The holiday mood encourages moviegoers to flock to theaters in large numbers.

2. Family Gatherings:

   • Families come together during Sankranti, and watching newly released films is a cherished group activity.
   • The cinema halls buzz with festive cheer, making it an immersive experience.

3. Big Box Office Opportunities:

• Producers and directors capitalize on the holiday season to release their biggest films, ensuring high initial footfalls and collections.
• Films that release during Sankranti often stay in theaters for weeks due to the extended celebratory mood.

How Movies Enhance Sankranti Celebrations

1. Festive Entertainment:

   • Newly released films provide entertainment that complements traditional Sankranti rituals.
   • Be it action-packed blockbusters or heartwarming family dramas, there’s a genre for everyone to enjoy.

2. Star-Studded Releases:

   • Sankranti is known for big-budget movies featuring leading stars of Tollywood.
   • Fans eagerly await these releases, adding to the festive excitement.

3. Cultural Themes:

   • Many movies released during Sankranti incorporate rural settings, agricultural themes, or family values, resonating with the spirit of the festival.

4. Promotional Events:

• The weeks leading up to Sankranti witness promotional events, including audio launches, trailers, and celebrity interviews, amplifying the festive atmosphere.

A Traditional Ritual for Cinema Enthusiasts

For many Telugu-speaking families, watching new Sankranti releases has become a modern-day ritual:

• Early morning shows attract die-hard fans eager to see their favorite stars on the big screen.
• Families often plan their outings around movie screenings, followed by a meal featuring festive delicacies like Pongal and Ariselu.

Examples of Iconic Sankranti Blockbusters

Some of Tollywood’s most iconic films have been released during Sankranti, cementing the festival's association with cinematic success:

• Annayya (2000)
• Narasimhanayudu (2001)
• Varsham (2004)
• Nuvvostanantenenoddantana (2005)
• Devadasu (2006)
• Desamuduru (2007)
• Krishna (2008)
• Arundhati (2009)
• Adurs (2010)
• Seetammavakitlosirimallichettu (2013)
• Nayak (2013)
• Nannakupremato (2016)
• Khaidi no.150 (2017)
• Satamanambhavati (2017)
• F2 (2019)
• Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)
• Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
• Waltair Veerayya (2023)

New movie releases during Sankranti have become an inseparable part of the festival's celebrations. They not only provide entertainment but also serve as a modern bridge connecting tradition and contemporary lifestyle. Whether it's cheering for your favorite hero in a packed theater or enjoying a family watch party at home, movies continue to enhance the festive spirit of Sankranti.

Conclusion

Sankranti is not just a festival; it is a vibrant tapestry of Andhra Pradesh's culture, traditions, and agricultural heritage. From the soulful rituals and mouthwatering dishes to the spirited games and communal harmony, Sankranti brings people together, transcending boundaries of age, class, and geography. Celebrating Sankranti is a way of cherishing nature's gifts and passing down timeless traditions to future generations.

Whether it's the crackling Bhogi bonfires, the sight of colorful kites in the sky, or the warmth of family gatherings, Sankranti truly exemplifies the joy of life and the spirit of togetherness.