Sankranti festival begins on a colourful note
VISAKHAPATNAM: The 'Sankranti' festival kick-started on a grand note in the three north coastal districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
With the state government announcing Sankranti as the official festival of Andhra Pradesh, the district administrations organised various programmes to highlight the culture and tradition of the state as part of the festivities.
Festive spirit descended on Vizag city as people were seen engaging themselves in a host of traditional and cultural events including 'gobbemmalu', 'gagireddulata', 'tappetagullu', 'puliveshalu', Dhimsa dance, rangoli competitions and kite flying apart from rural sports like 'tokkudubilla'.
Senior citizens were eager to share their Sankranti experiences with the younger generations. Girls, dressed in traditional half-sarees, rendering 'gobbipata' while drawing attractive rangoli designs and Haridasulu chanting 'Harinamam' along the streets remained the cynosure of all eyes.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu participated in the festivities organised atop Kailasagiri Hill in the city. Minister for trade, industries and home affairs of Singapore S Eeswaran and his team of 25 officials were acquainted with the rural culture and traditions of AP on the occasion. Later, Naidu and the Singapore delegation participated in kite flying along with the local youths.
The chief minister also introduced the agro and horticulture produces like sugarcane, banana and pumpkin, the Singapore team which were put on display by the agriculture department.
In Vizianagaram, minister K Mrunalini inaugurated the festival at Ayodhya Maidan and drew rangoli patterns along with ZP chairperson Swathi Rani and MLA M Geetha.
In Srikakulam, MP Kinjarapu Rammohannaidu inaugurated 'Sankranti Sambaralu' at NTR Municipal High School where 'tappetagullu', 'kolatalu', 'pulivesharlu', 'gobbemmalu' and 'chenchu' dance were performed by the artistes. The district administration also organised a rally in the town.
News Posted: 14 January, 2015
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