Sankranti celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety

 Makara Sankranti, the festival of harvesting, was celebrated with pomp and gaiety in the city and all over the district on Friday.

The sale of Ellu Bella, jaggery, sugar cane and other items was brisk in the market despite the increase in the prices of essential commodities. Women woke up early in the morning and drew colourful Rangolis in front of their houses to welcome the festival.

Special pujas and rituals were held at all temples in the city. Long queues of devotees were seen at Kolaramma, Someshwara, KEB Ganesha and Venkataramanaswamy temples in the city.

Girl children wore new dresses and distributed the Ellu, Bella, Sakkare Achchu and sugar cane to their neighbouring houses, relatives and friends. Sweet, Khara Pongal, Payasa and other delicacies were prepared at houses on account of the festival.

The members of Shanthi Samiti distributed Ellu and greeted citizens near Gandhi Bhavan.
Zilla Bhovi Sangha had organised a Rangoli competition on the premises of T Channaiah Rangamandira on the occasion. A number of women participated in the competition. The winners were given prizes. Farmers gave a bath to their bulls at Kilaripet, Kurubarpet, Kanakanapalya, Karanjikatte, Gandhinagar and other areas. Puja was offered to them and were fed sweets and other delicacies. The colourfully decorated bulls were taken in a procession and made to jump over fire.