Mon Jan 13 06:02:56 UTC 2025: **Telugu States Celebrate the Start of Pongal with Festive Bonfires**
HYDERABAD, INDIA – The Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have begun their three-day Pongal celebrations with the festive lighting of “Bhogi” bonfires. Celebrations took place across both rural and urban areas, with people waking early to build and light fires in front of their homes. Following the bonfires, families decorated their entrances with colorful *muggu* (rangolis).
In Hyderabad, a large-scale Bhogi celebration was organized by Bharat Jagruti at KBR Park, attended by Jagruti president and MLC Kavitha. The event featured traditional performances, including Harikatha (devotional storytelling), Gangireddu (bullock cart) displays, and Oggu Katha (folk theatre), creating a vibrant atmosphere. Similar celebrations were also reported across numerous gated communities in Hyderabad, including Kukatpally’s Rain Bow Vista, where large numbers of residents participated in the bonfire festivities and merrymaking. The celebrations saw people of all ages partake in the joyous bonfire rituals.
First Piper 