Sankranti Festival Celebrations Across Andhra Pradesh: A Journey Through Traditions

Sankranti is not just a festival in Andhra Pradesh; it is an emotion that connects villages, towns, and families through shared joy, rituals, and gratitude for the harvest. Celebrated over four vibrant days—Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, and Mukkanuma—the festival brings together farmers, artisans, and families in a colorful display of culture. Traveling across Andhra during Sankranti feels like stepping into a living postcard where every region adds its own flavor to the celebrations.

In coastal Andhra, Sankranti is deeply tied to agriculture and community gatherings. Villages wake up to the sound of conch shells and temple bells as women draw elaborate rangoli patterns, known as muggu, using rice flour. Bhogi fires are lit at dawn, symbolizing the letting go of the old and welcoming the new. On Sankranti day, homes are filled with the aroma of traditional dishes like sweet pongal, garelu, and ariselu. The open fields come alive with kite flying, where children and adults compete under the bright winter sky.

Moving towards Godavari districts, Sankranti celebrations take on a grand and festive scale. Known as the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh, these regions celebrate the harvest with deep gratitude. Farmers decorate their cattle with turmeric, kumkum, and colorful cloth during Kanuma. Bullock cart races, folk songs, and dances add to the festive energy. Riversides become gathering spots for family picnics, where laughter blends with the calm flow of the Godavari.
In Rayalaseema, Sankranti has a simpler yet deeply emotional charm. The celebrations focus on family bonding and village unity. Traditional games like kabaddi and rural sports bring people together. Bhogi bonfires are often community events, where neighbors gather, share stories, and exchange homemade sweets. Food plays a central role, with dishes prepared using locally grown millets and pulses, reflecting the region’s dry-land farming traditions.

Uttara Andhra, including Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam, blends coastal traditions with tribal culture during Sankranti. Tribal communities celebrate the harvest with folk dances, drum performances, and unique rituals that honor nature and ancestors. In rural pockets, people decorate their homes with cow dung designs mixed with flowers, a practice believed to bring prosperity and positive energy.

In urban areas like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati, Sankranti retains its traditional soul while embracing modern celebrations. Apartment complexes host kite-flying events, rangoli competitions, and cultural programs. Despite busy city life, families make it a point to return to their native villages, keeping the emotional connection alive.
Kanuma and Mukkanuma are especially travel-worthy days. These days are dedicated to cattle worship, nature, and outdoor gatherings. Families visit fields, temples, and riversides, making it an ideal time for travelers to witness authentic rural Andhra life. The festive atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and inclusive.

Traveling through Andhra Pradesh during Sankranti is a reminder of the state’s deep-rooted respect for nature, food, and community. Each region celebrates differently, yet the underlying emotion remains the same—gratitude, togetherness, and hope for prosperity. Sankranti in Andhra is not just seen or heard; it is felt in every decorated doorstep, shared meal, and smiling face.

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