Celebrating Sun’s Transition

If you are following the Gregorian Calendar, then Makar Sankranti is the first and major festival celebrated in different names across the country. In the Telugu speaking states, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and Pongal as on that day it is believed that the Sun transits into the Capricorn. As per the Hindu calendar, the Sun moves northwards and this is celebrated very joyously. 

As part of the celebrations, many sweets and snacks are prepared and the youngsters have fun flying kites on the terraces. Many families get on the terraces and spend the day basking in the Sun and enjoying delicacies. Also, early in the morning the courtyards of many homes are decorated with beautiful colourful designs and flowers. Natyahasini asks a couple of city dancers on what they are doing this Makar Sankranti.

Educate Students On Culture

January 13 & January 14 are celebrated in India in many ways. In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Magh Bihu in Assam, Pongal in South India, Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, and Makar Sankranti in other states. Dance in itself is a celebration and education through dance enhances this celebration. 

This Sankranti, I wish to educate and introduce my students to the vast culture and tradition by educating them about Sankranti celebrations in different parts of the country. Students will be a part of online dance celebration wherein they represent various parts of the country through their dressing and dance steps, including the music of that particular state. This way the students get to learn about the celebration of Sankranti in various parts of the state. Keeping the present COVID situation in mind, I have decided to have this celebration online.

~Neha Singh, Bharatanatyam dancer, SaiNe Nrityalaya

Bhogi Festivities In Village With Students 

I came to my native place Vajja Vari Kandriga village, Nagalapuram near Tirupati to celebrate Bhogi and Sankranti with my parents and my students. The morning of Bhogi was very special as it was after a long time, I got to spend the Festival with my parents and with the students since I started my dance school in the village. 

Also, my students in the Village and the City for the first time took part in the Natya Neerajanam of SVBC and celebrating the Festival together was heart-warming. I gave practice dresses as small gifts to all my students on the festival day and we all had a good time together.

~Jyothi Reddy, Kuchipudi Dancer, Jyothi Kalakshetram

Fun & Festivities Mark Sankranti

Sankranti festival brings immense joy to me. Visiting my village for the celebrations brings back many fond memories. Be it flying kites, eating sweets or going from house to house with friends or plucking fresh fruits from the trees is so fun. 

Of course, in many homes, parents buy new dresses for their kids, as a child this is fun and suspense to what one would get. On this day, I will be celebrating with my students in Chirala and have charted a special classical event.

~Koka Vijayalakshmi, Kuchipudi Dancer, Sri Koka Radha Krishna Murthy Academy