In my previous post I wrote about the most significant and
enjoyable tradition of Kite flying during Sankranti festival. The above
photographs are of two other colorful and enjoyable rituals practiced during
Sankranti – Muggu and Bhogi Pandlu.
Muggu is a symmetric design drawn on floor or on ground in front of
the entrance to the house by the girls and women of the household. These
patterns and designs were originally made using rice flour but nowadays it is
mostly with course limestone (white) powder and color powders. A handful of flour or limestone powder is
held in the right hand and through the thumb and index finger a pattern of dots
is first made on the ground. And then these dots are either joined through
straight or curved lines or intricate lines drawn around these dots to make
very attractive designs. Such designs are then filled with color powders to
make them much more attractive. Muggu is considered auspicious, a decoration to
the house, a pleasant welcome sign and one that creates happiness to all
members with its beauty. And I remember being told in childhood that the rice
flour would serve as food to ants and insects which would in return bless the
family members. On Sankranti day another ritual is of placing decorated
Boddemmas at the Gadapas of all doors in the house along with Navadhaanyalu and
Garkha (grass). The next day after Sankranti is Kanumu panduga when the ladies
would get dressed in Yellow and make a Ratham (Chariot) Muggu. The above
pictures would give you an idea of the colorful Muggu, the plural being
Muggulu.
The other photographs are of Bhogi Pandlu ritual in our house over
the years. This ritual is to bless the children with happiness, prosperity and
to protect them from evil forces. Wild berries (Regi Pandlu), pieces of Sugar
cane, Jajar gadda, Jeedi pandlu, Hari boot, Vepakayalu (a namkeen), Coins and
if possible tiny flowers made of Gold and Silver are all mixed together and
this is showered on the head and body of children by all the ladies in the
house to ward off evil and bless them abundantly.
Links to my Sankranti Festival related
other blog posts:
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