During Bhogi, people traditionally discard old and unused items by burning them in a bonfire. This ritual signifies letting go of the past and welcoming new beginnings. Houses are cleaned thoroughly, and new possessions are bought to replace the old. The bonfire is symbolic of the destruction of evil and the start of a fresh, prosperous phase.
Apart from the bonfire, Bhogi is also associated with feasting. Special dishes like pongal (sweet rice dish), vadai (fried snack), and sugarcane are prepared and enjoyed with family and friends. It's a time for socializing, sharing joy, and celebrating the harvest season.
Homes are decorated beautifully with mango leaves, flowers, and rangoli (known as kolam in Tamil Nadu) patterns drawn at the entrance. Kolams are intricate designs made with rice flour or chalk powder, which are believed to invite prosperity and good luck into the household.
Bhogi Pandigai is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other's company. It is a joyous occasion where people dress in new clothes, visit temples to seek blessings, and participate in cultural programs and traditional games.
In some communities, cultural performances like dance, music, and drama are organized during Bhogi Pandigai. These performances celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and add to the festive spirit of the occasion.
The history behind the word Bhogi has too many accounts. The widely reckoned etymology of the word Bhogi is that the word Bhogam entails receiving pleasure from divinity and the day offering that divine pleasure is named after Bhogi. Another legend accounts that Bhogi Pandigai is celebrated in the name of Lord Indra (god of rain and thunderstorms).
The celebrations of Bhogi Pandigai usually start early in the morning where homes are usually cleaned and washed. Subsequently, women and girls decorate their houses with beautiful kolam (rangoli) drawn out of rice flour and kaavi (red-oxide). People take head baths on this day as a part of the Bhogi festival celebrations.
The next step is performing pujas and offering ‘Bholi’ (battercake with lentil or coconut filling prepared with jaggery) to the almighty as naivedhyam (food offered to god as a part of the ritual). Later people assemble to light up a large outdoor fire to burn old and unwanted stuff.
Bhogi Pandigai is also wonderfully celebrated in Andhra Pradesh on the same day as Bhogi and as Lohri in Punjab and Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu in Assam.
A very delicious and rich meal is prepared and served on plantain leaf on this day which includes Pachadi, Parupu, Kootu, Poriyal, Varuval, Apalam, Vadai, Payasam, Bholi, Rice, Sambar, Rasam, Thayir and so on.
Bhogi Pandigai is steeped in several legends and mythological associations that add depth to its celebration:
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Indra and Surya Deva: One popular legend associated with Bhogi is that of Indra, the god of rain, and Surya Deva, the sun god. It is said that Indra was offended by the people of Earth who neglected their duties and stopped performing rituals that ensured rainfall. As a result, he withheld rain, causing drought and famine. The people realized their mistake and prayed to Indra and Surya Deva, seeking forgiveness and rain. Pleased by their repentance, Indra and Surya Deva blessed the earth with abundant rain and prosperity.
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Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill: Another legend linked to Bhogi is the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill. According to Hindu mythology, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra for rainfall. However, Lord Krishna convinced them to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as it provided them with fertile soil and grazing grounds for their cattle. This angered Lord Indra, who sent heavy rainfall to punish the people. In response, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to shelter the people and their cattle from the rain. This event symbolizes the power of faith and the protection of the divine.
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Bhogi Mantalu: In some regions of South India, Bhogi is associated with a ritual called "Bhogi Mantalu," where people gather old and unwanted household items, agricultural waste, and wood to build a bonfire. This bonfire is lit at dawn, and people offer prayers to the god of fire, Agni. It is believed that this ritual cleanses the environment, wards off evil spirits, and brings prosperity to the household.
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