Bhogi is being celebrated today in Tamil Nadu and several other parts of southern India. It marks the last day of the month of Maargazhi in the Tamil calendar.<br />'' <br />'' On Bhogi day, redundant or unusable materials are disposed of, to welcome the auspicious Pongal festival tomorrow. Bhogi is a prelude to the grand Pongal festivities.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, the Chennai Airport has appealed to the public not to set old things on fire near its periphery as the smoke would possibly add to the seasonal fog affecting air traffic in the morning.<br />'' <br />'' In Telangana, Makara Sankranthi festivities commenced with people celebrating Bhogi today with traditional fervor and gaiety.<br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent reports that the three-day post-harvest festival is being celebrated across the state but predominantly in rural areas as all segments of society celebrating the festival with much pomp.<br />'' <br />'' The first day of Sankranthi festivities began with Bhogi Mantalu, that is bonfire lit early in the morning.<br />'' <br />'' People along with children dared the cold winter and came out in large numbers to light the bonfire at the crossroads and street corners.<br />'' <br />'' They burnt their old and unused belongings in the fire as a symbol to get rid of the bad and evil. People are inviting the Sankranthi Lakshmi a symbol of prosperity by decorating their houses traditionally with colorful Rangoli and Mango leaves and flowers. The three-day festivities are predominant in rural areas as farmers reap their harvest before the festival.<br />'' <br />'' Coinciding the festival, the three-day International Kite and Sweet Festival was inaugurated last evening in Hyderabad.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, Governor Tamilisai Sounderarajan, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and leaders of various sections of society have greeted people on the occasion.