Bhogi Pandigai

In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Sankranti is celebrated for four days. The certain rituals are followed during each of the four days and those days are known as

Day 1 - Bhogi which is also known as Bhogi Pandigai.
Day 2 - Makara Sankranti which is known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Day 3 - Kanuma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Day 4 - Mukkanuma in Andhra Pradesh and Kaanum Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Bhogi is the first day of the four days Sankranti festivities and it is observed one day before of main Makara Sankranti day. On Bhogi day, people discard old and derelict items which are no longer in use. People get up before dawn and light bonfire, famously known as Bhogi Mantalu, with wood and other solid fuels. Derelict wooden items at home are offered to the fire as a Bhogi ritual. People also lit crackers early in the morning.

In many Telugu families in Andhra, kids between the age group of three to six are showered with Indian jujube fruit known as Regi Pallu. The children are dressed up in colorful attires, including traditional Langa-Voni for the girls, for the occasion. A potpourri of Regi Pallu, Senagalu (soaked and drained black grams), flower petals, pieces of sugarcane, jaggery and coins are showered on them. It is believed that the ritual of Bhogi Pallu protects children from evil eye, bless the children with material abundance and long life.

Apart from the ritual of Regi Pallu, Ariselu Adugulu is also organized for kids. Ariselu(s), which is a sweet dish made of rice, are put on the floor and small kids are asked to walk on them. Ariselu Adugulu is celebrated to mark the occasion when the kid learns to take its first step.

To mark the occasion of Bhogi, various Rangoli competitions are organized and the big and colourful Rangolis of bright hues are drawn outside home and buildings. Many families display Bommala-Koluvu of several tiers at home. On Bhogi day sweets are prepared in generous quantities and distributed among families and friends.