GVL Sankranti celebrations were celebrated in a rural atmosphere at Andhra University College of Engineering (AUCE) grounds. Makeshift huts with thatched roofs, colorful rangoli, decorated bulls and traditional artistes like ‘Haridasulu’ and ‘Gangiredalvallu’ in traditional attire create the ambiance. Folk and tribal dancers added to the festive spirit by entertaining the guests on Monday.

Odisha Governor Kambhampati Haribabu attended the function as the chief guest. He was welcomed with traditional drums by folk artists. They walked around the grounds looking at the folk arts on display and later fed a bull.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Haribabu praised GVL for organizing ‘Sankranti Sambaralu’ to showcase the rich rural traditions to the city people who rarely get a chance to witness them. Giving an overview of the four-day Sankranti festival and the significance of Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma and Mukkanuma, the Odisha Governor said it aims to celebrate the bumper harvest, show respect to the farmer, promote community bonding and cattle worship, which symbolizes living in harmony with nature.

Shri GVL Narasimha Rao recalled that he has been organizing Sankranti celebrations for the last two years. “The theme of the festival this year is ‘Atmanirbhar’ Sankranti to promote ‘Swadeshi’ and self-reliance,” he said.

He called upon the attendees to take advantage of government schemes like “Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana” to help cut down their electricity bills and boost the country’s economy. Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju said he did not miss visiting Bhimavaram in West Godavari to celebrate Sankranti because GVL has brought the rural ambiance to the city.

BJP district president M. M.

N. Parasuram Raju, RBI general manager Rajesh Kumar Mahana and State Bank of India (SBI) Deputy General Manager Rahul Sankritya also spoke.