Colourful rangolis, kites light up city

People step outside in smaller groups to celebrate amid Covid-19 pandemic

Drawing rangolis and flying kites turned out to be the hallmark of three-day Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanuma festivities this year, for more than one reason.

While these activities mark the festival, this was perhaps the first occasion in a long time where there was no reason to crowd in indoor spaces: People in smaller groups stepped outside into the warm winter sun to celebrate.

Kavuru Hemalatha, who is seventy-two years old, is still passionate about the art of “muggu”, as rangoli is referred to in Telugu. “I

NANDURI ACHYUTA, a resident of Marredpally, has organised ‘bommalakoluvu’ (festivities of toys) at her home. Haridasulu and Gangireddulu, the decorated bulls, went around the localities. “Hyderabad is continuing its traditions at its best,” Achyuta remarked. learnt the art from my mother. I used to help her when I was a kid. Even now, this festival gives me immense joy when I put the rangoli,” Hemalatha observed.

Kanuru Sumalatha, another enthusiast, says rangolis are made with different themes. “My whole family has been involved in making the rangoli. Children playing all around and campfire in the night adds to the joy,” she said.

Nanduri Achyuta, a resident of Marredpally, has organised ‘bommalakoluvu’ (festivities of toys) at her home. Haridasulu and Gangireddulu, the decorated bulls, went around the localities. “Hyderabad is continuing its traditions at its best,” Achyuta remarked.

Laxman Chugani, resident of Motilal Nehru Nagar, Begumpet, said, “The whole family is charged up flying kites. After a long gap, we have been able to enjoy ourselves so much,” he stated.