Mon Jan 13 11:02:59 UTC 2025: ## Bhogi Pallu: A Telugu Tradition with Ancient Roots
**Hyderabad, India (January 13, 2025)** – As the Telugu festival of Sankranti begins with Bhogi, a unique tradition called “Bhogi Pallu” takes center stage. This involves showering children with Reghu fruits (also known as Arka Phala), a practice steeped in ancient lore and believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Astrologer Machiraju Kiran Kumar explains the ritual’s origins, linking it to a story from the Mahabharata’s Drona Parva. The legend describes Vishnu’s penance and subsequent blessing, with gods showering him with Badari fruits. This event is symbolically reenacted by showering children, representing Narayan, with Reghu fruits.
The choice of Reghu fruit is significant. Considered a symbol of the sun (Arkudu), its use coincides with the sun’s journey into Uttarayanam. The astrologer emphasizes the fruit’s nutritional value and its believed ability to ward off illness and bad luck for children, who are seen as particularly vulnerable.
While the astrologer attributes auspicious meanings to the practice, it’s important to note that these interpretations lack scientific validation. The article clarifies that the information provided is based on traditional beliefs and interpretations, not necessarily modern scientific evidence. The degree to which these beliefs hold personal significance remains a matter of individual faith.
First Piper 