Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Eco-Friendly Bhogi Celebrations in Visakhapatnam
In Visakhapatnam, people are celebrating Bhogi, the first day of Sankranti, in a more eco-friendly way.
Instead of using harmful materials like plastic and tyres for the bonfire, many are opting for traditional cow dung cakes.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is encouraging this change to protect the environment and people's health.
Cow dung cakes are not only considered sacred but also have benefits like improving soil health and keeping away insects.
This year, there's a noticeable shift towards more planet-friendly celebrations, aiming to get rid of negativity and welcome positivity.
The festival is celebrated with bonfires, traditional dances, and decorative dolls, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.
Residents of Visakhapatnam are opting for eco-friendly Bhogi celebrations using cow dung cakes instead of harmful materials.
The GVMC is advocating for planet-friendly celebrations and appealing to people to refrain from burning tyres, thermocol, and plastic.
Cow dung cakes are considered sacred, used as fertilizers, and have cleansing properties that ward off insects and microbes.
Farmers and vendors in Visakhapatnam are selling cow dung cakes extensively ahead of Bhogi, with a small bundle costing Rs.20.
Bhogi is celebrated with bonfires, traditional dances, and decorative dolls, marking the beginning of the Sankranti festivities.
- Who
- Residents of Visakhapatnam, GVMC
- What
- Opting for eco-friendly Bhogi celebrations using cow dung cakes
- When
- During the Sankranti festivities, specifically on Bhogi
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- To symbolize getting rid of past burdens and to promote environmental health
Traditionalists
Environmentalists
Materials for Bonfires
Traditionalists
Prefer traditional materials like wooden logs and cow dung cakes for bonfires.
Environmentalists
Advocate for the use of eco-friendly materials like cow dung cakes to reduce pollution.
- Festival
- Bhogi
- Traditional Materials
- Wooden logs, cow dung cakes
- Modern Materials
- Discarded tyres, plastic products
- GVMC Appeal
- Refrain from burning harmful items
- Cow Dung Cakes
- Rs.20 per small bundle
- Benefits of Cow Dung
- Sacred, fertiliser, cleansing properties
- City
- Visakhapatnam
- Organisation
- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)
- State
- Andhra Pradesh
- Significance
- Marks the beginning of Sankranti
Sources
This festival, cow dung cakes opted for ‘Bhogi mantalu’
Bhogi Celebrated With Fervour Across Telangana
Vibrant Bhogi Celebrations Across Andhra Pradesh
Sankranti on a plate: How telugu kitchens celebrate the harvest
Farmers Burn Old Pattadar Passbooks In Bhogi Fires: Kolusu
Over 85 Lakh Devotees Take Holy Dip At Sangam On Makar Sankranti
Durga Temple Marks Sankranti; New Gosala Opened At Poranki
Bhogi Lights Up Nellore And Prakasam With Faith And Festivity
Bhogi celebrations pervade Malaysian Township in city
GMC organises Sankranti Sambaralu