Bhogi 2026 Date, Tithi Timings & Significance

Bhogi

Bhogi: The First Day of Telugu Sankranti

Bhogi is the first day of the three-day Sankranti festival, celebrated on the day before Makara Sankranti, when the Sun is about to move from Dhanus to Makara rashi. It is the last day of Dhanurmasam and usually falls in Pushya masam. Telugu homes begin the day with the Bhogi bonfire and end it with Bhogi pallu for the children.

Stories Behind Bhogi

One popular story links Bhogi to Lord Indra, the god of rain, who is thanked for the harvest. According to the Bhagavatam, when the people of Gokulam stopped their Indra worship on Lord Krishna's advice, Indra sent heavy rains, and Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill to protect everyone; Indra then realised his pride. Bhogi is also the day of Goda Devi's (Andal's) kalyanam with Lord Ranganatha, which completes the month-long Tiruppavai worship of Dhanurmasam. Vaishnava temples and many homes perform Goda Kalyanam on this day.

How Bhogi Is Celebrated

Bhogi mantalu: Before dawn, families light a bonfire with dry wood, cow-dung cakes and old unwanted items, symbolising letting go of the old and welcoming the new.
Head bath: After the bonfire, everyone takes an oil bath and wears new clothes.
Muggulu: Women draw large rangoli at the doorstep and place gobbemmalu made of cow dung decorated with flowers.
Bhogi pallu: In the evening, children are showered with a mix of regi pallu (Indian jujube), flower petals, coins and sugarcane pieces, to ward off drishti and bless them with health.
Bommala koluvu: Some families set up a display of dolls and invite neighbours for perantam.

Food on Bhogi

Homes are filled with Sankranti snacks prepared days in advance: ariselu, chakkilalu, sakinalu (especially in Telangana), nuvvula undalu and kajjikayalu. On Bhogi day, pongali made with new rice, milk and jaggery is a favourite offering.

Meaning of the Festival

The word Bhogi comes from "bhoga", meaning enjoyment and abundance. Burning old things in the bonfire reminds us to give up old habits and negative thoughts, while blessing the children shows hope for the future. It is a festival of thanks to nature and the farmers whose hard work feeds us all.

May the Bhogi fire burn away all troubles and bring fresh joy to your home.

Frequently asked questions

When is Bhogi celebrated?

Bhogi is celebrated on the day before Makara Sankranti. It is the last day of Dhanurmasam and usually falls in Pushya masam.

Why is the Bhogi bonfire lit?

Before dawn, families burn old and unwanted items with dry wood and cow-dung cakes. It symbolises letting go of the old and welcoming a new beginning.

What is Bhogi pallu?

In the evening, children are showered with regi pallu (jujube fruits), flower petals, coins and sugarcane bits. The custom is meant to remove drishti and bless children with good health.

Why is Goda Kalyanam performed on Bhogi?

Goda Devi (Andal), who sang the Tiruppavai through Dhanurmasam, is believed to have married Lord Ranganatha on Bhogi. Vaishnava temples and many homes celebrate her kalyanam that day.

What sweets are made for Bhogi?

Pongali with new rice and jaggery, ariselu, chakkilalu, sakinalu, nuvvula undalu and kajjikayalu are typical Bhogi and Sankranti treats.

Is Bhogi the same as Lohri or Pongal?

Bhogi is the Telugu name for the day before Sankranti. Tamil Nadu also calls it Bhogi before Pongal, and Punjab celebrates Lohri with a bonfire around the same time.

Bhogi 2026

Key details