Makara Sankranti (మకర సంక్రాంతి)
This is one festival that is based on the Sun's relative movement in a community that follows a calendar based on Moon's relative movement. In astrological terms, this day marks the transition(సంక్రమణం) of the Sun into the capricorn(మకర) constellation of the zodiac. There are 12 such sankranthis for each of the signs of zodiac.
Because of the earth's tilt, the angle of the Sun's rays changes as the earth orbits around the Sun. The Sun's rays begin to shine more and more vertically on the northern hemisphere following makara sankranthi. Thus, Makara Sankranthi is significant because it heralds warmer weather.
This is a big festival for Telugu community, literally called pedda paMDaga(పెద్ద పండగ). A month long activities culminate into the 3 festive days of Bhogi, Sankranthi and Kanuma. During this month, there is heightened significance for muggulu. They become more intricate and colorful and the spirit is almost competetive as well as festive in between households in coming up with most challenging patterns. Gobbillu(గొబ్బిళ్ళు) are placed in these muggulu and are decorated with flowers of the season, pumpkin flowers being one of them.
Bhogi(భోగి) is the first day of the 3-day festival. It begins with a community bonfire early in the morning. In households where there are little kids, neighbors are invited to bless the kids and shower them with Indian berries, flower petals and coins as well as best wishes. This ritual is called bhogi pallu(భోగి పళ్ళు). On
Sankranthi(సంక్రాంతి), there is festive feast which includes paravaannam or chakrapongali, rice pudding. Kanuma(కనుమ) is the last day. This day's feast includes gaarelu(గారెలు).
On Sankranthi day, a special muggu is drawn depicting the Sun's chariot. It is called Ratham(రథం) muggu. There is also a tradition of displaying dolls during this festival. It is called bommala koluvu(బొమ్మల కొలువు).
It is difficult to capture the spirit and the elaborateness of this festival in a simple essay. It is indeed a big festival and the best way to learn more is to visit the villages of Andhra Pradesh. It is worth it.