Bhogipallu Ceremony is performed to the children, usually below 12 years, on the day of Bhogi festival before the sunset. It is believed that this ritual will protect the children from any evil eye (called “Nara Dishti” in Telugu) and will bless them with better health and abundance of prosperity.
Friends, family, and neighbors are invited to participate in this fun-filled event. Bhogipallu mix is prepared by mixing up the “Regipallu”, coins, flowers, Akshinthalu, and pieces of sugarcane. As “Regi pallu” represents the Sun in its shape, color, and brightness, we hope to get his blessing through these fruits.
For this happy event, the children will be attired in traditional clothes, wear ornaments, and have the kumkuma applied on their face (and turmeric applied to the feet if it is a girl). The child will be seated facing East in a chair. The mother of the child takes a handful of Bogipallu and moves her hand in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction for 3 times each in front of the child, while uttering “irugu dishti, porugu dishti, intlo valla dishti, bhayata valla dishti, antha povali” and shower the Bogipallu on the head of the child. The guests will follow the same procedure to bless the child/children.
At the end of the event, Harathi is offered to the child/children. The guests are offered with Thambulam (2 beetle leaves, beetle but, two fruits). After the event, showered Bogipallu are offered to the homeless or can be thrown away in a place where they cannot be touched by the feet.
Preparations & Shopping Checklist:
- Invite the guests
- Prepare Bhogipallu mix
- Regipallu, pieces of sugarcane, coins, flowers, whole chana dal
- Decorate the location with toys and fresh flowers
- Prepare Harathi plate
- Arrange refreshments for guests
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