Sankranti which usually comes on 14th or 15th of january for us signifies the festival of cows. The day is also famous for one more thing at our side is the last day for Avare kai. I dont know exact translation of this in English. Probably no one treid to find because its grown only in southern karnataka and parts of Tamilnadu in the border of Karnataka. I really like when this is cooked in the form of Hitakida bele. We still remember whole night my Dad and Mom after finishing all work and sitting for peeling out the Avare soaked in water. Its a nice thing to do that without spoiling the inner grain. After that we used to spill the outer part on the road. That signifies the house has prepared the Hitakida Bele saaru. Its Delicious.
Then Each of the house had a pair of Ox and cow. They wash the cows to perform special decoration. Cows are really nice animals. They are really domestic. They are slow in their movement, rarely defend themselves and hurt anybody and it all depends on the upbringing of it. If it is of high breed they are still slow and really nice animals. Ox with the horns are dangerous and one had to be careful in dealing with them. One of my neighbor died due to its attack.
After washing them they decorate them with all colors, balloons, color papers. They paint the horns with varnish. We used to write on the walls, the wishes for the festival.Even today my writing exist on the wall of my neighbor. I can sense how fast the days are moving. I have some terrible habit of leaving the date wherever i go. Sometime back when i was sitting in the Dental clinic i wrote my name and Date. After 3 years when i visited the same clinic the date and my signature still exist. I loved it.
Then they parade their possession to one common place where they have put fire. They cross the oxen fire. This is done with a scientific background that the fear in the ox shall vanish. Near Sarjapur they started the bull run. Its dangerous than some Spanish Bull Run as the ox have terrible horns and they make the animal to drink liquor. adding to that the Desi Thamate sound will make the animal furious and run hapazardly. Poor people, strong people will try to take the Money tied to the horns but they fail and get hurt. Its pathetic and terrific.
I still remember over the Tank bund children would run with the burnt tires in the night. It would be nice to see from my house Window. I too wanted to join the Joy but my Parents would never allow me to go. Now I have grown up and have all the freedom but cannot do all those things.
Its a first festival in the year, and I wish myself Happy Sankranthi. My mother wanted me at home for the festival to eat the Hitakida Bele saaru, but I couldn't make it.
