Significance of Bhogi | Fusion - WeRIndia

Bhogi is the first day of the Pongal festival. It is celebrated as a homage to Lord Indra for giving abundance of harvest and prosperity of land. Lord Indra is the God of Clouds and Rains and is considered significant for agriculture. People collect all the waste goods by cleaning their homes. These waste goods are thrown into a fire made of wood and cow-dung cakes. This is considered as a send-off for the past year.

People whitewash their homes and decorate them with marigold flowers and mango leaves. Floors are designed with Rangoli and cow-dung balls with pumpkin flowers are placed among the patterns. New earthenware pots are decorated with turmeric and flowers. People shower after having an oil massage.

Special pujas are performed. Sun and earth are worshipped in this regards. The agricultural tools like plough and sickle are anointed with sandalwood paste with which the fresh harvest is cut. On the evenings, jujube fruits and coins are showered on the heads of small children in a ceremony. After that, they distribute them among children.

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