Bhogi Festival 2026 – History, Rituals, and Celebrations

2026 Date: January 13

What is Bhogi?

Bhogi marks the first day of the Sankranthi festival, celebrated across South India. The word “Bhogi” comes from Bhogam (wealth, prosperity, and enjoyment). It is believed that those who observe Bhogi rituals with devotion receive Bhogabhagyam – material and spiritual blessings.

Bhogi in History – Goda Devi’s Divine Marriage

In 800 CE, in Sri Villiputtur, a Vishnu devotee named Vishnuchittudu found a divine girl in a Tulasi garden and named her Goda Devi. She grew up worshipping Lord Vishnu and composed the Tiruppavai during Dhanurmasa vratam, seeking divine union. On Bhogi day, Lord Vishnu appeared and invited her to Sri Rangam, where she was married to Sri Ranganatha Swamy. As she entered the sanctum, she merged with the deity. Since then, Bhogi is celebrated as the divine wedding day of Goda Devi.

Bhogi Rituals and Customs

• Bonfire (Bhogi Mantalu): Early morning, people light sacred fires and discard old items symbolizing renewal.
• Gobbillu & Rangoli: Cow-dung balls (Gobbillu) are placed in colorful rangolis (Muggulu), decorated with pumpkin and marigold flowers.
• Head Bath: A ritual bath at dawn is believed to remove negative energies.
• Bhogi Pallu: Children are showered with gooseberries, sugarcane bits, and flowers to ward off evil.
• Women’s Gatherings: Women invite others for festive bonding and blessings.

Bhogi Celebrations

• Homes are cleaned and decorated with mango leaves and marigolds.
• Rangolis are drawn at the entrance and adorned with Gobbillu.
• Girls and women dance around Gobbillu singing traditional songs.
• Pongal is cooked as a symbol of abundance and gratitude.