Sankranti, the festival of festivals is being celebrated throughout Andhra Pradesh with rich fervour. As per Vedic Hindu philosophy, Sun is considered to be the king of all the planets and Makar Sankranti commemorates the expedition of Sun to the Northern Hemisphere. Makar is a Sanskrit word that literally means Capricorn whereas Sankranti denotes transition, hence, Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn sign in the northern hemisphere, during winter. This festival also comes as thanksgiving to mother nature for an abundance of crops, well being and prosperity.<br />''<br />''The festivities include sweets made of rice, jaggery, green gram and sesame. The situation is different this year due to the COVID pandemic and people celebrate the festival cautiously by following all the COVID protocols. <br />''<br />''It is a four-day festival in Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti, Kanuma and Mukkanuma. The rituals are a mix of various regions around the state, with plenty of kites flown and special sweets and new clothes and books and home appliances purchased. The Festival is being celebrated in Godavari Districts of West Godavari and East Godavari in a big way and Godavari Districts are known as 'rice bowl' of Andhra Pradesh.<br />'' <br />''Kite festivals and Rangoli festivals are being organised in several pockets across the State.<br />'' <br />''AIR correspondent reports, festival of festivals, Makar sankranti is celebrated for four days, from this Wednesday to Saturday in Andhra Pradesh. The first day, that is Bhogi Panduga, people burn all old articles.<br />'' <br />''The second day, Pedda Panduga is the Sankranti day when the big festival is held. People are dressed in new clothes and pray to God.<br />'' <br />''On the third day, Kanuma is celebrated. Kanuma is very intimate to the farmers as it is the day for praying and showcasing their cattle with honour.<br />'' <br />''The fourth day is Mukkanuma which is popular among the non vegetarians of the society on the normal days.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Ryots celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm and fervour in Andhra Pradesh.</span>