Date:01/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/01/stories/2009010151560300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Karimnagar

‘Sankranti Sambaralu’ by students

Staff Reporter

Festive atmosphere at Bhagavathi English Medium High School in Karimnagar

KARIMNAGAR: A festive atmosphere prevailed at the Bhagavathi English Medium High School in Karimnagar on Wednesday.

The students had colourfully decorated their school with mango and coconut leaves, painted the floor with Rangoli colours and flowers as part of the ‘Sankranti Sambaralu’ and to welcome the New Year.

School chairman B. Ramana Rao released the school New Year calendar and conducted lucky dip and distributed prizes to the teachers and students. Later, the students participated in the Sankranti Sambaralu.

The students depicted the traditional way of celebrating Sankranti for three days -- Bhogi, Makara Sankranti and Kanuma. They adorned the roles of ‘Gangireddulu and haridasus’.

‘Bhogi mantalu’

They lit the ‘Bhogi mantalu’, the traditional fire during the festival and conducted ‘gobbillu’ for tiny tots. They also decorated a house replica with ‘bommala kolavu’ (toys decoration).

Of course, there was the kite festival too.

The special attraction was the participation of both girls and boys in the rangoli competitions.

Prize winners

In the seniors section M. Sai Mounika and R. Nidhusha won the first prize and K. Krishna Reddy and K. Keertha the second prize.

In sub-seniors section P. Mounika and P. Meghana won the first prize, B. Mounika and T. Ravali second prize and M. Rahul Reddy and G. Sai Prasad the consolation prize.

The girl students also participated in the mehendi competitions. School correspondent B. Vijayalaxmi said the Sambarallu was aimed at educating students about the importance of celebrating Indian festivals in a traditional way and safeguard our ancient culture.