Do You Know Why We Lit Bonfires on Bhogi ?

Bhogi festival is the festival that comes preceding Sankranthi. The word bhogi also means early. Bhogi mantalu is lit on this festival day. But do you know why bonfires are lit on Bhogi. Bhogi bonfires are considered by many to be fires lit for protection and warmth. But legends say that there are rituals behind this. The word bhogi is derived from the word bhaga. Bhaga means Fires.

In the incarnation of Shri Mahavishnuvu, Bali Chakravarthi was asked to step down to the underworld and become the king of the underworld. One day before every Sankaranthi Bali Chakravarthi was asked to cme to earth and bless the people. To welcome Bali Chakravarthi, bonfires are lit. Bonfires are lit by people to burn their worries and problems of the past and seek happiness in the coming future from the God of Fire. In Sanskrit, Bhogam means happiness. Bonfires provide warmth as well as health.

Air purification is done by burning native cow dung nuts in bonfires. This kills germs in the air. Excess oxygen is released into the air. Inhaling this air is good for health. One ton of oxygen is released from 10 grams of domestic cow ghee thrown in these bonfires. This gas is very powerful. Inhalation of this air enters the 72,000 nerves of the body and cleanses the body. So bonfires have been traditionally practiced by our elders for a long time. Do not put plastic objects or other harmful gasses in the fire.