Bhogi Festival Date 2024

Bhogi in India in 2024: Complete Information about the Bhogi Festival

Bhogi, known as ಭೋಗಿ in Kannada, భోగి in Telugu, and போகி in Tamil, signifies the commencement of the four-day Pongal Festival (பொங்கல் திருவிழா) and the Makar Sankranti (ಮಕರ ಸಂಕ್ರಾಂತಿ, మకర సంక్రాంతి) festival. It aligns with the final day of the Agrahāyaṇa or Mārgaśīrṣa month of the Hindu Solar Calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, it is typically observed one day prior to Makar Sankranti, which now falls on January 14 instead of the previous date of January 13. This festive occasion is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, individuals relish roti made from Bajra that is sprinkled with til, along with a vegetable gravy incorporating palak, carrot, peas, green chana, papdi, and more.

In Kongu Nadu houses, a remarkable tradition called Kaappu Kattu takes place. On Bhogi, people shed old and dilapidated belongings to embrace new things that bring about change and transformation. At daybreak, bonfires are ignited using logs of wood, solid fuels, and wooden furniture that are no longer useful within households. This ritual signifies the conclusion of the year’s accounts and the initiation of new accounts on the subsequent day, which marks the beginning of the harvest season. Similar to other festivals like Pongal and Lohri, Bhogi also pays homage to Lord Indra. Another fascinating practice specific to Kongu Nadu involves the tying of leaves from Azadirachta indica, Senna auriculata, and Aerva lanata on the roofs of houses and residential areas, known as Kaappu Kattu.

Bhogi 2024 Date in India: 14th January, Sunday

Bhogi 2024 Overview

Celebration of Bhogi Festival

The main ritual of the Bhogi festival is the bonfire, where people gather around and throw old belongings into it as a symbolic way to let go of the past and start anew. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and blessings for the upcoming year. Many also make traditional dishes like pongal and share them with family and friends, symbolizing love and unity within the community.

Other customs include decorating homes with colorful rangolis or floral designs, dressing in new clothes, exchanging gifts, praying for prosperity at temples, and participating in cultural events such as dance performances and parades. Despite being rooted in Hindu mythology, Bhogi Festival is celebrated by people of different religions across India with great enthusiasm. The festive atmosphere continues throughout the day until evening when families come together again to enjoy a lavish dinner accompanied by music and laughter. In modern times, this festival has also become an opportunity for social gatherings among loved ones who may live far apart.

Significance of Bhogi Festival

The Bhogi festival, also known as Bogi, is one of the most important festivals in Southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The term ‘Bhogi’ refers to abundance and the festival symbolizes discarding old things and beginning anew. This day marks the start of new farming activities and celebrates a successful harvest season.

The festival falls on the first day of Thai month (usually mid-January) according to Hindu calendar. On this day, people decorate their homes with beautiful rangolis made out of colored rice flour and flowers. They also light bonfires using discarded items such as wood and dried cow-dung cakes which symbolizes burning away negativity and starting fresh for a prosperous future. It is believed that by observing Bhogi festival, individuals can bring prosperity, happiness, and good fortune into their lives for the entire year ahead.