Hyderabad, Jan 14th: 'Makar Sankranti', marking the transition of the Sun from 'Dhanur Rasi'(Sagittarius) into 'Makar Rasi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, was celebrated across Andhra Pradesh with religious fervor and traditional enthusiasm. Wearing new clothes, elders joined by all family members offered prayers to the Sun God on this day which marks the beginning of the 'Uttarayana Punyakalam' (northeward journey of Sun). On the preceding day, ''Bhogi'' was celebrated by the people discarding the old by making a bonfire of logs, old mats clothes.

Landlords gave gifts, including new clothes to farm labourers to mark the thanks-giving festival to mother nature for her bountiful crops. Farmers decorated their cattleshed and expressed their love and affection for cattle. Infants were showered with fruit called ''Regi Pandlu'', to ward off the evil eye. For this festival, all families prepared Ariselu and offered to God. Cock fights and ox races were organised on the occasion. 'Haridas' visited each house, particularly in villages taking rice as alms and wishing each family good luck. Young and old alike flew kites of different sizes on the occasion.