- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 10 Jan 2025 03:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bhogi 2025: In southern India, Bhogi marks the beginning of the four-day Pongal harvest festival. Observed on the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi, Bhogi is a day for discarding old items and embracing new beginnings. As the sun transitions from the southern to the northern hemisphere during Makar Sankranti, people come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Homes are cleaned, and old belongings are disposed of, making way for fresh fortune and prosperity. This year, Bhogi will be observed on 13th January 2025.
Bhogi 2025: Date And Time
- Bhogi 2025 Date: 13th January 2025, Monday
- Bhogi Sankranti Moment: 09:03 AM, 14th January 2025
Bhogi 2025: Significance
Bhogi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and clouds. On this day, farmers pay tribute to Lord Indra, seeking his blessings for a bountiful harvest. They believe that Indra's blessings will bring them wealth and prosperity. As a result, Bhogi is also affectionately known as Indran.
Bhogi is celebrated under different names in various parts of India. In southern India, it's known as Bhogi Pandigai, while in Punjab and other northern states, it's celebrated as Lohri. Meanwhile, in Assam, Bhogi is observed as Maghi Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. Despite the different names, the underlying spirit of Bhogi remains the same - to express gratitude for the harvest and to seek divine blessings for a prosperous future.
Bhogi marks the start of the Pongal harvest festival in southern India, symbolising new beginnings as people discard old items and welcome fresh fortune. (Image Source: Freepik)
Bhogi 2025: Rituals
To mark the beginning of a new era, people discard old items at home on Bhogi. They thoroughly clean and whitewash their houses, decorating them with marigold flowers, mango leaves, and new items. Women create traditional floral designs, called 'kolam', using freshly harvested rice flour paste and red markings. They also add pumpkin flowers to these designs and place fresh cow dung cakes within them.
Farmers pay tribute to their ploughs and equipment on Bhogi, smearing them with kumkum and sandalwood paste. They make offerings to the Sun God and Mother Earth before cutting the first paddy. In some areas, people practice Bhogi Mantalu, a ritual where they light a bonfire and sacrifice old items and clothes. Women chant mantras and sing songs of praise while taking rounds around the holy fire.
Bhogi is a time for family reunions, meeting friends, and celebrating with traditional activities. People prepare Bhogi pallu, a mixture of freshly harvested rice, fruits, and money, which is distributed among children. The festival also features rangoli making, kite flying, and rural sports like cock fighting and bullfighting.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)