When: January every year
Location: Celebrated across all towns and villages in West Godavari District
🪔 About the Festival
Sankranti, also known as Pongal, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. It marks the beginning of the harvest season — a time of joy, gratitude, and renewal. Farmers express their heartfelt thanks to nature, the Sun God (Surya Bhagavan), and the cattle that help them cultivate their fields.
The festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion. Homes are freshly cleaned, walls are adorned with muggulu (rangoli) designs, and entrances are decorated with sugarcane, mango leaves, and colorful flowers. Families prepare delicious festive dishes such as Pongali, Ariselu, Boorelu, and Chakkara Pongal to share with friends and neighbors.
🪁 Celebrations Across West Godavari
During Sankranti, every village and town in West Godavari bursts into life with vibrant energy. The blue skies are filled with colorful kites — a sight that has become symbolic of the season. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and participate in cultural programs and fairs.
In rural areas, bullock cart races, harvest processions, and traditional folk dances like Kolattam and Kuchipudi performances add to the festive charm. Communities organize rangoli competitions, cooking contests, and local exhibitions that highlight traditional crafts and local produce.
Towns like Bhimavaram, Tanuku, Tadepalligudem, and Jangareddygudem host large public celebrations where families and visitors come together to enjoy the festive spirit. The sounds of drums, the aroma of festive food, and the laughter of children make Sankranti a truly memorable occasion.
🌞 Significance and Traditions
The festival spans four days, each with its own cultural and spiritual meaning:
- Bhogi:
The first day is dedicated to discarding old belongings and welcoming new beginnings. People light bonfires early in the morning to symbolize the burning away of the old year’s negativity. - Makara Sankranti:
The second day marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, symbolizing growth and light. It’s the main day of the festival — families gather to cook Pongal in earthen pots as an offering to the Sun God. - Kanuma:
The third day honors cattle, especially cows and bulls, which are decorated with colorful garlands and worshipped for their role in agriculture. - Mukkanuma:
The final day is a time for social gatherings and feasts, where families visit friends and enjoy traditional delicacies together.
🌻 Cultural Essence
Sankranti represents gratitude, prosperity, and unity. In West Godavari, it bridges rural and urban life — farmers, students, families, and workers all come together to celebrate the blessings of nature. The festival strengthens social bonds, revives local traditions, and fills the air with hope and happiness.
As the sun rises over the green paddy fields of West Godavari, the gentle breeze carries the sounds of joy and celebration — reminding everyone that life, like the harvest, is a cycle of giving, growing, and gratitude.
📸 Highlights of Sankranti in West Godavari
- Colorful muggulu (rangoli) designs outside every home
- Kite-flying events and competitions
- Bullock cart races and rural sports
- Community feasts featuring Pongal and sweets
- Temple decorations and cultural performances
✨ Conclusion
Sankranti in West Godavari is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of life, harvest, and harmony. It reflects the district’s spirit of hard work, devotion, and togetherness, making it one of the most cherished festivals in Andhra Pradesh.