Early Sankranti Celebrations Light Up Pithapuram
Pithapuram witnessed vibrant early Sankranti celebrations as Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan formally inaugurated a three-day cultural festival showcasing Telugu traditions. The festivities reflected the essence of rural life, blending folk arts, classical dance forms, and age-old customs on a single grand platform.
The celebrations began with traditional rituals, including cow worship and prayers to nature, symbolizing prosperity and harmony. Colorful rangolis adorned the venue, while the sounds of drums and folk instruments filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere rooted in Telugu culture.
Folk and Classical Art Forms Steal the Show
The event featured a captivating display of folk performances such as dappu beats, kolatam dances, garaga performances, veeranatyam, and tribal art forms like kommukoya and basavanna dances. Classical Kuchipudi performances also drew special appreciation from the audience.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan keenly watched the performances and interacted warmly with the artists. He praised their dedication to preserving Telugu heritage and personally greeted several performers. At one point, he even joined tribal artists and danced along with Thimsa performers, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Celebrating Traditions and Community Rituals
Pawan Kalyan actively participated in traditional Sankranti rituals, including Haridasu kirtans and go-pooja ceremonies. He also took part in Seemantham and Bhogi Pallu celebrations, blessing pregnant women and children, and wishing them health and prosperity.
The Deputy CM offered swayampaka daanam to Haridasus, donating grains, vegetables, fruits, and money as part of the traditional practice. He emphasized the importance of sustaining such customs for future generations.
Promoting Handlooms, Handicrafts, and Local Livelihoods
Several stalls set up by departments such as handlooms, textiles, handicrafts, women and child welfare, and agriculture attracted visitors. Pawan Kalyan visited each stall and showed keen interest in traditional crafts. He interacted with weavers, spun yarn on a charkha, and examined handlooms closely.
He admired Uppada sarees, Kalamkari textiles, leather puppets, Etikoppaka lacquer toys, and Bobbili veenas. The Deputy CM even played the veena briefly, enjoying its melodic sound. He also encouraged artisans by wearing a specially designed handloom coat made by local weavers.
Ministers and Dignitaries Attend the Event
Several state ministers, including Nadendla Manohar, Ponguru Narayana, and Kandula Durgesh, joined the celebrations alongside local MLAs, officials, and public representatives. Cultural academy members, district officials, and artists also participated in large numbers.
The early Sankranti celebrations in Pithapuram will continue for three days, offering a colorful blend of tradition, culture, and community spirit. The event stands as a celebration of Telugu identity and a tribute to the state’s rich cultural heritage.
