Bhogi Lights Up Nellore And Prakasam With Faith And Festivity

Nellore: Wednesday marked Bhogi celebrations, a blend of tradition and devotion, in SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts; Thousands welcomed the harvest festival with bonfires, prayers and a strong sense of community.

People rose before dawn to light Bhogi bonfires in front of their homes and throw old household items into the flames, symbolizing throwing away the past and the beginning of a new, hopeful year. Despite the cold of winter, families and neighbors gathered around the fires, children participated in the festivities, and the elderly explained the importance of the harvest festival.

The temples in both the districts witnessed a heavy influx of devotees. The Sri Ayyappa Swamy temple in Nellore attracted hundreds in the evening to coincide with the Makara Jyothi ritual at Sabarimala. Priest Ramchandra Bhatt lit large quantities of camphor amid chants of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”, creating a bright holy flame that filled the temple with spiritual ecstasy. Special oil Abhishekams were also performed as part of Makara Sankranti celebrations.

Temple committee chairman G. Seshagiri Rao said all arrangements have been made to ensure smooth darshan for devotees.