Sankranti Celebrations in Kurnool and Nandyal Focus on Simplicity and Tradition

Kurnool: In Kurnool and Nandyal, Sankranti is celebrated in a more subdued manner, as it falls during a non-agricultural season. Unlike other parts of the state where crops are harvested by January, locals in these regions celebrate festivals like Dasara and Ugadi with more grandeur, as they coincide with the harvest season.

"In Kurnool and Nandyal, crops are harvested by April, so Ugadi is the big festival," said Anil Sarma from Kurnool adding that "During Sankranti, people focus on traditional rangoli and Gobbemma (made with cow dung) in front of their houses, but there aren't major celebrations."

Sankranti in these areas is centred around simple enjoyment with food, rangoli, and traditional delicacies, such as Bhakshyam, made with chana dal and jaggery.

"For us, Sankranti is just a time for food and small festivities. There isn’t much focus on offering prayers to elders or other traditions like in coastal areas. "We don’t usually buy new clothes or invite relatives for Sankranti. We wait for Ugadi, which is the real 'Pedda Pandaga' (big festival) here." said P. Narasimha Rao from Venkata Ramana Colony in Kurnool city.

On Kanuma, the third day of the festival, non-vegetarian dishes are commonly enjoyed, a tradition seen throughout Rayalaseema and coastal areas. The consumption of non-vegetarian food during winter is considered a feast by many in the region.

Traditional customs are also different here, with more relaxed food preferences compared to the coastal areas, where people strictly adhere to vegetarianism on Sankranti day.

While some areas still see participation in cock fights, they are less widespread and not as popular as in the Godavari districts, with no large-scale betting involved. Overall, Sankranti celebrations in these regions remain modest, focusing on family, food, and simple customs.