Telangana maintains its own special cultural traditions for this event. The festival signals both the termination of winter months and the initial growth of extended periods of daylight during the Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). Sankranti stands as a harvest festival where the Telangana population celebrates with enthusiastic devotion by conducting traditional customs alongside kite activities, cultural presentations, and preparing special delectable foods. Sankranti food items in Telangana showcase both the seasonal flavors and the diverse culinary traditions of the region, making the festival a true gastronomic delight. Telangana delivers its festive celebration food experience during the color-filled festival events

Makar Sankranti Special Food Items in Telangana

Every celebration of Sankranti needs traditional homemade food to complete the festivity. Traditional festivities in Telangana characterize Sankranti foods through robust tastes and traditional cooking methods and high-grade produce preparation. People commonly enjoy these famous dishes during Sankranti

Dish	Type	Main Ingredients	Specialty During Sankranti
Sakkinalu	Savory Snack	Rice flour, sesame seeds, carom seeds	Crisp spirals prepared in bulk, symbolizing prosperity
Ariselu	Sweet	Rice flour, jaggery, sesame seeds	Chewy & crispy pancake sweet, shared with guests
Pongal	Sweet & Savory	Rice, jaggery, moong dal / rice, pepper, ghee	Offered to Sun God, enjoyed in both sweet & savory forms
Garelu	Savory Snack	Urad dal, spices	Deep-fried fritters, served with chutney & sambar
Pulihora	Savory Rice	Tamarind, sesame seeds, curry leaves, peanuts	Tangy tamarind rice, served as prasadam in temples
Bobbatlu	Sweet Bread	Chana dal, jaggery, cardamom, wheat flour	Soft festive flatbread, cooked with ghee
Sunnundalu	Sweet Laddu	Urad dal, jaggery, ghee	Healthy laddus loved by kids & elders alike
Boorelu	Sweet Dumpling	Rice flour, jaggery, chana dal	Golden fried dumplings offered in puja
Kobbari Louz	Sweet Burfi	Coconut, sugar, cardamom	Quick festive sweet with a rich coconut flavor
Paramannam	Dessert	Rice, jaggery, milk, dry fruits	Traditional rice pudding, first offered as naivedyam

1. Sakkinalu

Sakkinalu is one of the most iconic Sankranti snacks in Telangana. These crisp, golden spirals are made from rice flour mixed with sesame seeds, ajwain (carom seeds), and a pinch of salt. Deep-fried to perfection, they symbolize prosperity and togetherness. Families often prepare them in bulk before the festival and store them in tins to munch on throughout the festive days.

Also Read – Traditional Sankranti Sweets of Andhra Pradesh

2. Ariselu

A signature Sankranti sweet, Ariselu is a deep-fried pancake-like dessert prepared with rice flour and jaggery syrup. The crispy exterior and chewy interior make it irresistible. Sprinkled with sesame seeds, Ariselu is not only delicious but also a festive must-have prepared in large batches to be shared with neighbors, relatives, and guests.

3. Pongal

No Sankranti is complete without Pongal. In Telangana, both sweet Pongal (Chakkara Pongal) and savory Pongal (Ven Pongal) are relished. The sweet version blends rice, jaggery, and moong dal with ghee and cashews, while the savory version uses black pepper, curry leaves, and ginger. Both are cooked as offerings to the Sun God, marking gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

4. Garelu (Medu Vada)

Garelu, or medu vada, is a festive favorite made with urad dal batter. Shaped like doughnuts and deep-fried till golden, they are served hot with coconut chutney and sambar. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garelu are considered auspicious and are offered during puja before being enjoyed by the family.

5. Pulihora

Tangy and flavorful, Pulihora is a Sankranti staple in Telangana households. Prepared with tamarind pulp, tempered with curry leaves, green chilies, and sesame seeds, and garnished with roasted peanuts, this dish balances sour, spicy, and nutty flavors. It is often served as prasadam in temples during the festival.

6. Bobbatlu (Puran Poli)

Bobbatlu is a festive sweet flatbread stuffed with chana dal and jaggery filling, flavored with cardamom. Cooked on a hot griddle with ghee, this dish is both soft and rich, making it a highlight of Sankranti feasts. Families often prepare bobbatlu in large numbers to serve guests who visit during the celebrations.

7. Sunnundalu

Nutritious and wholesome, Sunnundalu are laddus made from roasted urad dal, jaggery, and ghee. Known for their energy-boosting qualities, these laddus are especially prepared for children and elders, combining taste with health benefits.

8. Boorelu

Boorelu are deep-fried dumplings stuffed with jaggery and chana dal filling, coated in rice flour batter. Golden and crispy on the outside with a sweet surprise inside, these dumplings are an inseparable part of festive offerings to deities and a delight to eat with family gatherings.

9. Kobbari Louz (Coconut Burfi)

Kobbari Louz is a melt-in-the-mouth sweet made with grated coconut, sugar, and cardamom. Simple yet aromatic, it carries the essence of tradition and is one of the quickest Sankranti sweets prepared in Telangana households.

10. Paramannam

Paramannam is a traditional rice pudding made with rice, jaggery, milk, and dry fruits. Considered a sacred offering, it is prepared first as naivedyam to the gods before being shared with family. The creamy sweetness and festive touch make it a must-have dish during Sankranti celebrations.

Sankranti Special Food Items in Telangana with Price

All Sankranti foods available in Telangana can be found within this estimated price scale.

Food Item	Approximate Price (INR)
Sakkinalu	300 – 400 per kg
Ariselu	350 – 450 per kg
Sweet Pongal	200 – 300 per serving
Savory Pongal	150 – 250 per serving
Garelu	150 – 200 per dozen
Pulihora	100 – 150 per serving
Bobbatlu	300 – 400 per dozen
Sunnundalu	400 – 500 per kg
Boorelu	300 – 400 per kg
Paramannam	150 – 250 per serving

Distressed stores around my area and purchasing platforms sell ready-made sets which feature special sweets for Sankranti celebrations and holidays.

Sankranti Special Food Items in Telangana Veg

Telangana celebrates Sankranti by offering several vegetarian dishes to its residents. Get to know these five essential vegetarian dishes to eat at Pongal celebrations.

1. Sweet Pongal

Sweet Pongal is the heart of every Sankranti feast. Prepared with rice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, and a touch of cardamom, this dish fills the air with an irresistible aroma. The creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and roasted cashews on top make it a true festive comfort food that families eagerly look forward to every year.

2. Pulihora

Pulihora, or tamarind rice, brings a burst of tangy and spicy flavors to the Sankranti platter. The mix of tamarind pulp, curry leaves, and crunchy peanuts makes it a dish that everyone loves to scoop up. Beyond its taste, Pulihora carries tradition—it’s a dish that feels like home, comforting and satisfying in every bite.

3. Garelu

Golden, crispy on the outside and soft inside, Garelu (medu vada) is a festive must-have. Made with urad dal batter and deep-fried to perfection, they are best enjoyed with coconut chutney or piping hot sambar. On Sankranti mornings, families often gather around as these fritters come out fresh from the pan, making the celebration even more delightful.

4. Sunnundalu

These laddus are not just sweets—they’re little balls of nourishment. Made with roasted urad dal, jaggery, and ghee, Sunnundalu are both healthy and delicious. Mothers and grandmothers often prepare them in bulk during Sankranti, lovingly rolling each laddu by hand, making them a symbol of warmth and care in the festival spread.

5. Kobbari Louz

Kobbari Louz, the traditional coconut burfi, is a sweet that instantly melts in the mouth. With its perfect blend of grated coconut, sugar, and cardamom, it delivers both crunch and sweetness. For many, this treat brings back childhood memories of Sankranti celebrations, when plates of these burfis were shared with neighbors and guests as a gesture of joy and togetherness.

Conclusion

People in Telangana celebrate Sankranti through activities that preserve their roots and connect family members together. Participating in Sankranti food preparation unites family members who share a unified meal. During Sankranti Telangana residents showcase their food diversity through preparations of savory sakkinalu and garelu plus sweet ariselu and bobbatlu. Your choice between homemade and local store-bought Sankranti delicacies will strengthen the festive spirit as these classic cuisines stay with you forever.

FAQs for Sankranti Food Items in Telangana

Q1. Why do people in Telangana observe Makar Sankranti?

Ans:- During Makar Sankranti people celebrate the sun god by giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Q2. People of Telangana eat what dishes specifically during Sankranti celebrations?

Ans:- People in Telangana enjoy Sankranti festivals by eating Sakkinalu desserts, ariselu treats, sweet pongal, meatballs called garelu, and special bobbatlu.

Q3. Are these Sankranti dishes vegetarian?

Ans:- Telangana people make only vegetarian Sankranti meals based on rice with jaggery and lentils and then add various spices.

Q4. You can now purchase Sankranti food items through internet shopping platforms.

Ans:- You can find packages and celebration baskets of Sankranti foods for sale both from digital platforms and traditional sweet stores.

Q5. What is the common storage duration for Sankranti dishes?

Ans:- You can keep sakkinalu, ariselu, and sunnundalu fresh for the next 10 days when you store them in a sealed container.

Q6. Are Sankranti dishes healthy?

Ans:- Sankranti dishes get their health from jaggery and lentil meals combined with rice. You should only consume these dishes in limited amounts.

Q7. Which is the smartest method to mark Sankranti festivities in Telangana?

Ans:- Traditional food preparation, kite flying, and family gathering mark the ideal way to celebrate Sankranti.