BHOGI PALLU - A RITUAL PERFOMED ON CHILDREN

 

 

For this week’s Bloghop I chose to write about a Childhood memory associated with a ritual performed particularly for children under 12.

Though it is not performed in our houses as it is not part of Tamilian culture, we, the children in the area, gathered at my friend's house, (Govind &Nikilesh) who was from Andhra Pradesh.

Bhogi pallu Ceremony is performed for children, usually below 12 years, on the day of the Bhogi festival before 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 an abundance of prosperity.

Bhogi Pallu is a special ritual in which fruits and coins are collected and showered on the heads of small children to protect them from negative forces. This ritual brings happiness, good fortune, and success.

It is believed that by performing Bhogi Pallu, harmful or unfavourable things for children, which are also referred to as dishti, would be removed from their lives.

 

Significance

The ritual is performed on the first day of Pongal, which is also known as Bhogi Pongal. It is observed in the southern states of India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. 

Children under the age of twelve are seated on a chair and have fruits and coins showered on their heads. 

The ritual is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and success to the children. It is also thought to provide the children with the blessings of Lord Indra, the god of rain and clouds. 

The fruits used in the Bhogi Pallu ritual include Jujube or Indian date, Gooseberries, Small sugarcane pieces, and Rice. 

 Bhogi pallu is performed by the community /family/neighbours together. The kids receive blessings of health and prosperity during this occasion.

Elders say that “Regi pandu is called arka phalam (Sun’s Fruit), during this occasion we are reminded of the significance of the Sun as a provider of health and life. Thus symbolically we are seeking blessings from the Sun God for the children.”

           The tradition begins with performing Harati to Lord Krishna, with the children sitting on a chair.  First, Harati is offered to Lord Krishna, followed by applying Harati to the children.  After the initial offering of Bhogipallu to Lord Krishna, the children are given a little bit of the fruit three times.  This process continues until everyone has had their turn.  Additionally, mothers set up a parant (a traditional sieve-like plate) and give yellow saffron to neighboring women, along with serving southern Tambulas (betel leaves and nuts).

            During this, children are also showered with small coins along with Bhogipallu.  It is believed that if a plum stands on the child’s head, they become a “Bhogi,” because it is said that Narayana (Lord Vishnu) performed intense penance in Badrikavana to please Lord Siva.  During that time, the Gods showered badari fruits (plums) on Narayana’s head.  As a symbol of that event, the tradition of offering Bhogipallu to children is observed.

Though there are numerous reasons and stories behind the ritual, it is generally believed that Bhogi Pallu is a ceremony in which all fruits and money are gathered and scattered over the heads of young children to protect them from evil spirits.

There is a decline in the practice of these rituals in urban centers, but memories of these are still bright and clear.

(This blogpost is  a  part of Blogchatter's bloghop :https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively )