Sankranti 2024 Usa Telugu Calendar
The year 2023 came and went, and now we’re gearing up for another exciting year filled with celebrations and festivals. One such festival that’s eagerly awaited by the Telugu community in the USA is Sankranti, which falls on January 14th, 2024. As someone who has celebrated this festival since childhood, I can attest to the joy and excitement that this festival brings. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what Sankranti is all about and how it’s celebrated in the USA.
What is Sankranti?
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festival that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It’s a harvest festival that’s celebrated in different parts of India under different names – Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and so on. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where I’m from, Sankranti is a major festival that’s celebrated with much pomp and splendor.
How is Sankranti Celebrated in the USA?
As Telugu people have migrated to different parts of the world, the celebration of Sankranti has also spread far and wide. In the USA, Telugu associations and community organizations organize Sankranti events that bring together people from different parts of the country. These events usually take place on the weekend closest to January 14th, and include cultural programs, food stalls, and traditional games.
One of the highlights of Sankranti celebrations is the making of rangolis, which are intricate designs made with colored powders. Women and girls gather together to create these colorful patterns outside their homes, and it’s a sight to behold. Another important aspect of Sankranti is the preparation of traditional dishes like pongal, ariselu, and garelu, which are made with rice, jaggery, and lentils.
List of Events and Festivals in Sankranti 2024 USA Telugu Calendar
Here’s a list of some of the events and festivals that are celebrated during Sankranti 2024:
- Bhogi: This is the first day of Sankranti, and is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. People light bonfires and discard old clothes and items, symbolizing the discarding of old habits and embracing the new.
- Surya Pongal: This is the second day of Sankranti, and is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. People prepare sweet pongal, which is offered to the Sun God.
- Mattu Pongal: This day is dedicated to the worship of cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. People decorate their cows and offer them special food.
- Kanuma: This day is dedicated to the worship of domestic animals like goats and sheep. People decorate their animals and offer them special food.
- Mukkanuma: This is the final day of Sankranti, and is dedicated to feasting and merry-making. People visit each other’s homes and exchange sweets and gifts.
Events and Festivals Celebration for Sankranti 2024 USA Telugu Calendar
Each of the days of Sankranti has its unique significance and is celebrated in different ways. Here’s a brief look at how some of these days are celebrated:
Bhogi
On this day, people wake up early in the morning and light bonfires made of wood and cow dung. They discard old clothes and items that they no longer use, symbolizing the discarding of old habits and embracing the new. Women draw rangolis outside their homes, and families prepare special dishes like vada and chakralu.
Surya Pongal
This day is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, who is believed to bless humans with health, wealth, and prosperity. People wake up early in the morning and prepare sweet pongal, which is made with rice, jaggery, and milk. They offer this pongal to the Sun God, and then share it with family and friends.
Mattu Pongal
Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, and on this day, they are worshipped and celebrated. People decorate their cows with colorful clothes and bells, and offer them special food. They also participate in traditional bull-taming games like Jallikattu, which is a popular sport in Tamil Nadu.
Kanuma
This day is dedicated to the worship of domestic animals like goats and sheep. People decorate their animals with colorful clothes and bells, and offer them special food. They also participate in traditional games like cock-fighting and kite-flying.
Mukkanuma
This is the final day of Sankranti, and is dedicated to feasting and merry-making. People visit each other’s homes and exchange sweets and gifts. They also participate in traditional games like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.
Question and Answer (Q&A) and FAQs about Sankranti 2024 USA Telugu Calendar
Q: Is Sankranti only celebrated by Telugu people?
A: No, Sankranti is celebrated by people from different parts of India under different names. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it’s called Sankranti.
Q: What is the significance of making rangolis during Sankranti?
A: Rangolis are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. They are also a way of expressing creativity and showcasing one’s artistic skills.
Q: What are some traditional dishes that are prepared during Sankranti?
A: Some of the traditional dishes that are prepared during Sankranti include sweet pongal, ariselu, garelu, and chakralu.
Q: What are some traditional games that are played during Sankranti?
A: Some of the traditional games that are played during Sankranti include Jallikattu, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, cock-fighting, and kite-flying.
In conclusion, Sankranti is a festival that’s deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and spirituality. It’s a time to celebrate the harvest season, renew old relationships, and forge new ones. As the Telugu community in the USA gears up for Sankranti 2024, let’s come together to celebrate this joyous festival with enthusiasm and zeal.