Cow dung bonfire, folk dances mark Bhogi celebrations in Vizag

Tradition and festive fervour marked Bhogi celebrations organised by members of the ‘Go Adharitha Vyavasaya Raithula Sangham’ (cow-based natural farmers Association) near the YMCA at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The celebrations drew wide participation from people across different sections of society.

The attractions of the event were Haridas, Gangireddu performances, Budabukkala, Puli Veshalu and indigenous folk dances, which added colour and cultural richness to the celebrations.

Residents of Beach Road area, morning walkers and children actively participated in the programme, making the Bhogi celebrations lively.

Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi attended the programme as the chief guest and ceremonially lit a bonfire, that used one lakh indigenous cow dung pellets. On the occasion, he urged citizens to light Bhogi fires in the traditional manner and cautioned people against burning tyres and plastic waste in the name of festival celebrations. He also participated in the traditional Bhogi Pallu ritual, which is performed for children.

Addressing the gathering, district president of the Cow-Based Natural Farmers Association, Datla Subrahmanya Varma, emphasised that festivals should be celebrated in a healthy and responsible manner without causing any disturbance or damage to the environment.

Akula Chalapathi Rao from Sankalpa Art Village, Green Climate founding secretary J.V. Ratnam and several others attended the event.