Sankranti in Andhra: The Festival Food, the Homecoming and the Pickles That Go Back With You

For Telugu people, no festival pulls the family home like Sankranti. In January, buses and trains out of Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai fill up. Village roads in the Godavari districts come alive with muggulu (rangoli), haridasus singing at dawn, decorated Gangireddu bulls, kites on the rooftops and the smell of sweets frying in every kitchen.

And when the festival ends, almost everyone goes back to the city with a bag of food: sweets, podis, and, of course, pickles. This post is about the food side of Sankranti, and how pickles fit into the celebration and the journey back.

The Three Days of Sankranti

Sankranti in Andhra is celebrated over three main days, and each has its own mood.

Bhogi

The first day begins before sunrise with the Bhogi fire, when old things are burned to welcome the new. In the evening, small children are showered with Bhogi pallu, a mix of regi pallu (jujube fruit), flower petals and coins, for blessings.

Sankranti

The main day. Families wear new clothes, offer prayers, remember their ancestors and cook a big festive meal. Sweets like ariselu, sakinalu, chakkilalu and bobbatlu are prepared, often days in advance, by several women of the family working together.

Kanuma

The third day honours cattle and the farming life. In many Andhra homes, especially in the coastal districts, Kanuma is also the day for a non-vegetarian feast, and chicken and mutton dishes come out.

Some families also celebrate Mukkanuma on the fourth day.

Where Pickles Fit on the Sankranti Plate

A big festive meal is rich: sweets, fried snacks, pulihora, payasam, many curries. Pickles play an important role in balancing all of this.

• At the start of the meal: A little avakaya or gongura mixed with hot rice and ghee opens the appetite.
• Between sweet things: After a few ariselu, a spoon of tangy pickle resets the tongue.
• At the end: Curd rice with lemon pickle or magaya settles the stomach after a heavy meal.
• On Kanuma: Non-veg pickles like chicken and mutton join the fresh curries for families who cook non-veg.

Pickles for a Sankranti Household

If you are hosting the family this Sankranti, it helps to have a few jars ready before the guests arrive. Here is a balanced selection:

• Avakaya Pickle: The jar every elder will ask for first.
• Gongura Pickle: The pride of the Andhra table. It is made in small batches, so if it shows out of stock, message us on WhatsApp to know when the next batch is ready.
• Lemon Pickle or Magaya Pickle: For curd rice after the big meal.
• Tomato Pickle: Gentler, for children and guests who are not used to much heat.
• For Kanuma: Chicken Pickle, Mutton Pickle or Gongura Mutton.

With so many people in the house, put each pickle into a small serving bowl at mealtimes and keep the main jars closed in the kitchen. With children running around and many hands at the table, this keeps wet spoons out of the jars.

The Journey Back: Pickles in the Suitcase

The saddest part of Sankranti is going back. Mothers and grandmothers pack bags full of food for children returning to the city. Pickles are always in that bag.

If you are packing pickles for travel:

• Use jars with tight, leak-proof lids, and wrap each jar in a plastic bag before putting it in the suitcase.
• Keep the jar upright if you can, with clothes around it for cushioning.
• Avoid filling jars to the brim, so the oil does not seep under the lid.
• Non-veg pickles should reach the fridge soon after you arrive.

If carrying jars is not practical, you can also simply order the same pickles to your city address. We deliver within India.

Ordering Before or After Sankranti

Our pickles are prepared fresh in small batches after you order, in our kitchen in Tadepalligudem, West Godavari. As per our shipping policy, orders are handed to the courier within 1 to 2 business days, and standard delivery usually takes 3 to 6 business days after dispatch. Around big festivals, couriers and holidays can cause small delays, so it is wise to order early if you want jars before the festival.

Cash on Delivery is available for serviceable pincodes, with a ₹99 advance paid online to confirm the order.

Pickles as a Sankranti Gift

Many families exchange sweets and food with neighbours and relatives during Sankranti. A jar of homemade pickle is a thoughtful addition, especially for someone who cannot travel home for the festival. Our post on Andhra pickles as festive gifts has ideas for choosing the right jar for each person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is made for Sankranti in Andhra?

Sweets like ariselu, sakinalu, chakkilalu and bobbatlu, along with pulihora, payasam and a festive meal. Many families cook non-veg on Kanuma.

Which pickles are best for a Sankranti meal?

Avakaya and gongura for hot rice and ghee, lemon or magaya for curd rice, tomato for children, and chicken or mutton pickle for Kanuma.

When should I order pickles for Sankranti?

As early as you can. Each jar is made after you order, and festival season can slow couriers slightly.

Can I send pickles to family in another city for Sankranti?

Yes. We deliver within India, so you can order directly to a relative's address.

Celebrate Sankranti With a Full Pickle Shelf

Whether you are hosting the whole family or celebrating far from home, a few good jars bring the Sankranti taste to your table. Browse our vegetarian pickles and non-veg pickles for Kanuma, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98486 58989 for help planning.

Sankranti subhakankshalu from all of us.

With love from our kitchen,

Vidya

Founder, Pickle Basket