“Sankranti defines happiness to me. For the entire week, we put Rangolis on the streets. The custom follows that we soak and dry out cow dung cakes, and light the bonfire infront of our house. The muggus are decorated with petals, colours and other seasonal fruits, making them look wholesome!

Hailing from a culturally rich town like Tummidi in Andhra Pradesh, we’ve been following the same traditions since pre-bifurcation. We gift new clothes to everybody in the family, and prepare a very special sweet Ariselu and other pindi vantalu. Also the bonfire is a traditional practice which signifies a fresh start for the year, and also the victory over evil.

When we were younger, we were always taught to clean up before entering the house and making sure that we are taking care of our health and bodies. Over time, those habits have gotten lost on our children. Strangely, due to covid, those habits are returning and do believe it is very important to acknowledge where we come from.

Talking about the kites, well, I’m not very familiar with flying kites but my brother and the rest of my family members are. I kind of just like to wear my sunglasses and watch my family do all the work! I still go to the temple along with my cousins and also conducting Bhogi pallu to the kids of the families is another ritual. So yes, as I said, Sankranti is truly pure happiness and love to me, and I wish everyone a very happy Sankranthi 2022.”