Nabarangpur, Jan, 17: Nabarangpur town has come alive with festive fervour as the Telugu community celebrates Makar Sankranti, also known as Pongal, the most important festival of the community. The festival is observed over four days. Wednesday marked the celebration of Bhogi, while Thursday is traditionally dedicated to offering pind daan to ancestors.
The four-day Pongal festival is observed as follows: the first day is Bhogi, the second day is Makar Sankranti (Pongal), the third day is Kanumu, and the final day is Mukanumu. During Pongal, special dishes such as kheer prepared from newly harvested rice and various traditional sweets are offered in worship. Cows are also worshipped as part of the rituals.
Bhogi celebrations were held last night in several areas of the town, including China Market, Telugusahi, Saurasahi, Dashaharapada, and other localities.
Today, a cultural programme organised by the Telugu Cultural Association was held at the RC High School ground, with support from the Chamber of Commerce and the Millers’ Association. An orchestra performance from Visakhapatnam was a major attraction of the event.
The programme was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gand as the chief guest. The guests of honour included Dabugam MLA Manohar Randhari, Nabarangpur MLA Gourishankar Majhi, District Collector Dr. Maheshwar Swain, former MP Pradeep Majhi, Congress leader Munna Tripathy, Municipal Chairperson Kunu Nayak, and Chamber of Commerce President Kahnu Das.
On the other hand, Makar Sankranti was also celebrated today in all temples, where Makar rice was offered in worship and distributed as prasad. A large gathering of devotees was seen at temples across the town.