In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sankranthi (also called Pedda Panduga) is the biggest festival of the year, celebrated over 3 to 4 days with lots of traditions.

🌅 Day 1 – Bhogi

• Old, unwanted items are burned in a bonfire (Bhogi Mantalu) to symbolize letting go of the past.

• Houses are cleaned, decorated with fresh muggulu (rangoli) and gobbemma (small cow-dung balls placed on the rangoli).

• People wear new clothes and sing folk songs around the fire.

🌞 Day 2 – Makara Sankranti (Pedda Panduga)

• The main festival day.

• Families cook festive meals with pulihora, garelu (vada), ariselu, bobbatlu, pongali, chakkera pongali and more.

• Relatives gather; elders bless the younger ones.

• Traditionally, farmers offer thanks for the harvest.

• In rural areas, bullock cart races and decorated cattle processions are common.

🐂 Day 3 – Kanuma

• A festival mainly for cattle, which are vital for agriculture.

• Cows and bulls are bathed, decorated with turmeric, kumkum, and colorful ornaments.

• Special prayers are offered for cattle’s health and prosperity.

🎉 Day 4 – Mukkanuma (less formal, mostly in villages)

• A day for community gatherings, outdoor feasts, and sometimes meat dishes (unlike the earlier days, which are mostly vegetarian).

• People enjoy fairs, sports, and cultural activities.

✨ Special highlights in Andhra & Telangana:

• Muggulu competitions (beautiful rangoli designs).

• Gangireddu & Haridasu: Traditional performers visiting homes singing devotional songs, blessing households.

• Cockfights (Kodi Poraalu) in some villages (though officially banned, they still happen in parts of Andhra during Sankranthi).