Andhra family throws grand Sankranti feast for son-in-law with 158 delicious treats
A FAMILY from Tenali in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district turned this year's Sankranti celebrations into an unforgettable extravaganza by preparing 158 dishes for their son-in-law.
Vandanapu Muralikrishna and his wife hosted the lavish feast for their son-in-law Sridatta, who hails from Rajahmundry in the Godavari district, and their daughter, Maunika. This was the couple's first Sankranti together after getting married last year, making it an extra-special occasion.
In many regions of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Godavari districts, Sankranti goes far beyond being just a harvest celebration. It is a hearty expression of familial love, respect, and hospitality, where sons-in-law are traditionally treated like kings. Families go all out to honour them with grand feasts, thoughtful gifts, and warm welcomes.
The Tenali family took it up a notch, whipping up 158 dishes, including sweets, snacks, and traditional goodies, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The spread included an array of traditional Andhra delicacies - crispy savoury snacks like murukulu, chekkalu, and garelu, sweet treats featuring jaggery, such as ariselu, bobbatlu, sunnundulu, and kajjikayalu; along with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, rice varieties, curries, and more.
The sheer variety and effort left everyone in awe, with many describing it as an "adirepoyela" (mind-blowing) spread that perfectly matched the grandeur expected from Godavari traditions.
Notably, Tenali is renowned for its rich heritage in art, drama, and literature and also for 'Tenali Rama' - the legendary witty court poet from the Vijayanagara era. The town is also famous for its sweets, particularly 'bellam jalebi' (jaggery jalebi) - a crispy, syrupy delight made with local jaggery.
Makar Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti, also known as Pedda Panduga, is a grand harvest festival celebrated over four days. This year, the main festival falls on January 15, with state holidays from January 10 to 18. The festival is a time to honour the Sun God, Surya, and express gratitude for the rabi harvest.
The four-day celebration includes:
Bhogi (Day 1): Families discard old belongings in a Bhogi Mantalu (bonfire) to symbolise renewal.
Pedda Panduga (Day 2): The main day marks the Sun's entry into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara Rashi). Women decorate front yards with elaborate Muggu (rangoli) patterns and Gobbemma (cow dung balls adorned with flowers).
Kanuma (Day 3): The third day is dedicated to cattle. Animals are bathed, decorated, and worshipped for their role in farming.
Mukkanuma (Day 4): The fourth day is for community feasting, often including non-vegetarian dishes after the previous vegetarian days.
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