A Culinary Celebration: Famous Sankranti Festival Foods from Telugu States 

Every January, the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana come alive with vibrant colours, traditions, and delectable aromas during the four-day Sankranti festival. This grand celebration marks the end of winter and the harvest season, making it a joyous time to share the bounty of the new crop with family and friends. Known as Pongal, Lohri, or Uttarayan in other parts of India, Sankranti is synonymous with culinary delight, offering a rich variety of traditional dishes that capture the essence of Telugu culture. 

Let’s explore the iconic Sankranthi delicacies that blend taste, texture, and tradition: 

Pongal 

This classic dish, synonymous with the festival, is prepared in two variations: 

• Sweet Pongal (Chakra Pongal): Made with rice, lentils, jaggery, milk, and ghee, this aromatic dish is garnished with cardamom, cashews, and raisins. 

• Savory Pongal (Ven Pongal): A hearty dish cooked with rice, moong dal, black pepper, cumin, ginger, and ghee, topped with fragrant curry leaves. 

Ariselu 

A labour-intensive yet rewarding delicacy, Ariselu is made by combining rice flour and jaggery into a dough, then deep-frying it to golden perfection. Its crisp exterior and soft, sweet interior make it a festive favorite. 

Bobbatlu 

Known as puran poli in other regions, Bobbatlu are sweet flatbreads filled with a mixture of Chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom, cooked to golden perfection and enjoyed with a drizzle of ghee. 

Kajjikayalu 

These crispy, crescent-shaped pastries are stuffed with sweetened coconut or sesame mixtures, making them a must-have for Sankranti celebrations. 

Sakinalu 

A specialty of Telangana, these crunchy, deep-fried snacks are made with rice flour, sesame seeds, and spices. Their intricate circular patterns are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. 

Sunnundalu 

Prepared with roasted urad dal, jaggery, and ghee, these nutrient-rich laddus are a wholesome and tasty treat for the festival. 

Bellam Gavvalu 

Shaped like small shells, this sweet snack is made from rice flour and jaggery, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. 

Bellam Nuvvula Undalu 

Known as sesame laddus, these are made by combining roasted sesame seeds with jaggery, creating a nutty and healthy festive treat. 

Chekkalu 

These crispy, savoury rice crackers are infused with spices like curry leaves, green chilies, and asafoetida, making them an addictive snack for festive gatherings. 

Chakli 

These crunchy, spiral-shaped snacks are prepared from rice flour, sesame seeds, and red chili powder, offering a perfect blend of heat and crunch. 

Sankranti isn’t just a festival; it’s a celebration of the harvest, culture, and culinary artistry. These iconic dishes reflect the spirit of Telugu traditions, bringing families together over plates of joy and nostalgia. This Sankranti, indulge in these delightful treats and embrace the rich flavours of Telugu cuisine.