The festival of Sankranthi marks the arrival of the sun into zodiac Aries from Sagittarius. Ancient Indians calculated the journey of the sun as 2 parts Uttarayanam and Dakshinayanam Sankranthi is observed in Uttarayanam.
This festival consists of 3 days of celebrations: Bhogi, Sankranthi and Kanuma. On the day of Bhogi, newly reaped rice and moong dal are cooked and offered to god as `Prasad`. This food is taken by people with great devotion and gratitude. Bhogi is known for bonfires, lit in the streets and dried cow dung is burnt. This fire purifies the air and is good for the lungs. People expect health and wealth from these bonfires. In the evenings, an event called Bommalakoluvu is organized in which different kinds of toys are arranged. `Bhogipallu` is poured onto kids along with flower petals, coins and sugarcane pieces which are all rich in ayurvedic properties.
Rangolis, which add glitters to the celebrations of Sankranthi, is a symbol of self-dedication. A lot of astrological, cosmic and aesthetic laws involved in Sankranthi rangolis. The calcium in rangolis and natural properties of cow dung, which is put in the middle of rangolis affect the health in a good manner. The foods prepared on the occasion of Sankranthi are very healthy as they are made with freshly reaped rice and other grams. Scientifically, the day marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. Kanuma celebrations include the worship of animals which reminds us of the gifts of nature and expressing gratitude. However, the festival is celebrated as a harvest festival in National wide with different names such as Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat etc., the purpose is mostly the same and reminds us of the rich scientific heritage and culture.
