Bhogi Furthermore, farmers in the country worship Indra to receive a good harvest thereby bringing wealth and prosperity. They also worship their ploughs and other farm equipment on this day. In 2024, the festival of Bhogi will fall on 14 January, Sunday .
About Bhogi Pongal 2024
The Bhogi festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra who is also known as the god of rain. Lord Indra is worshiped by many farmers as he is expected to bring prosperity and happiness to the land. Furthermore, farmers in the country worship Indra to receive a good harvest thereby bringing wealth and prosperity. They also worship their ploughs and other farm equipment on this day.
In 2024, the festival of Bhogi will fall on 14 January, Sunday .
The Bhogi Mantalu (Bonfire)
On the occasion of Bhogi, people discard their old and useless household items, wood, and clothes among others. These items are thrown into fire which is made of wood and cowdung cakes. The ritual is called as “Bhogi mantalu” and is aimed at getting rid of old and negative things from your life and focus on new beginnings. Women wear new clothes and chant mantras around the holy fire.
They clean their house and draw rangoli of colors and flowers in front of their house. People also decorate their house with marigold garlands and mango leaves. It is also said to drive away all the negative energy from and around the house and make way for positive energy. A lot of agriculture waste is also burnt in the bonfire which is expected to offer heat during the cold weather which is about to end.
Bhogi Pallu and Pongal Panai
An additional tradition practised on this day is “Pongal Panai,” in which people buy fresh earthen pots, paint them, and then decorate them with blossoms and mango leaves. Farmers in the villages dress up their cattle and give them prasad. On Bhogi, people gather with friends and family and send each other happy Bhogi wishes.
In addition, women prepare “Bhogi pallu”—a sweet treat—for kids using recently picked fruits and rice. Sugarcanes and other greenery are tied in front of houses to represent the season’s sweetness, joy, and good fortune.
Bhogi Festival Significance
In many South Indian states, the Bhogi festival is also known as “Pedda Panduga” and is of great significance. This Hindu harvest festival is largely observed in the southern states, where individuals prepare sweet treats at home and exchange happy Bhogi messages. People also ask Lord Indra’s blessings for a fruitful agricultural year during this event.
A unique ceremony is performed on “Thai Pongal,” the second day of the Pongal celebration. As part of the celebrations, rice and milk are cooked together in an earthen pot and tied with a turmeric plant. This concoction is then dedicated to the Sun God.
People decorate their houses with mango leaves and draw rangoli in front of their houses.
Bhogi Significance
Bhogi festival day is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and clouds. Farmers worship Lord Indra to seek blessings for a good harvest.
