In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bhogi or Bogi is the first day of Sankranti celebrations.
The date is set for January 14, 2024, in the TTD panchangam and the State Government calendar.
Bhogi is celebrated on the same day in both Telugu and Tamil cultures. The main activity on the day is the burning of everything nasty or useless – a type of purification ceremony.
Please note that Bhogi is observed on January 13 in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The Meaning of Bhogi
- Goddess Godha Devi was the avatar of Mother Earth, Bhoodevi is a great devotee of Vishnu
- Goddess Godha Devi was found in Periyalwar’s garden. She grew up to be a Vishnu follower and a mystic poet. Thiruppavai was written by her.
- Goddess Godha Devi reached beatitude and became the consort of Lord Ranganatha (Bhagavan Vishnu) at Srirangam as a result of her ardent and unshakable devotion to Bhagavan Vishnu.
- Goddess Goda Devi is a great exponent of Bhakti Marga. She is a prominent model of bridal mysticism – moksha through consort, similar to Bhakti Bhava for Vishnu.
- Goda Devi is said to have reached nirvana when she joined Sri Ranganatha on Bhogi day. Thus, Bhogi is the day on which Goda Devi reached Bhoga Aikya (Merger of Eternal Happiness).
The Ritual of Bhogi Muggulu and Bhogi Pallu
The drawing of Bhogi Muggulu (a form of Rangoli) and Bhogi pallu functions is an important ritual on the day.
Young children are showered with regi-pallu, flower petals, sugarcane bits, money, and jaggery at Bhogi Pallu celebrations. Children are subjected to Aarti. Women bless them by singing songs.
The marriage of Goda Devi is celebrated in Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and other Vishnu Temples on the day of Bhogi, which is the last day of Dhanurmasam. It is widely assumed that those who witness this holy marriage will marry soon. Witnessing Goda Devi’s holy marriage with Sri Ranganatha helps in having a peaceful and joyful married life. Therefore many couples participate in the marriage of Goda Devi.
Bhogi is celebrated in Tamil Nadu on the last day of the month of Margali. It is observed in the Pushya month in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Symbolic Meaning of Lighting of Bhogi Fire
The lighting of the fire on Bhogi represents the burning away of bad habits and the subsequent living of a virtuous life. People build a campfire using wood logs, other solid fuels, and old wooden furniture before sunrise. Unused articles are tossed into the sacrificial fire as a sign of giving up old habits, vices, attachments, and material possessions.
