{"id":2739,"date":"2025-02-05T07:36:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T07:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fooddy.in\/blog\/?p=2739"},"modified":"2026-01-12T12:11:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T12:11:06","slug":"sankranti-special-food-items-in-andhra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fooddy.in\/blog\/sankranti-special-food-items-in-andhra\/","title":{"rendered":"Sankranti Special Food Items in Andhra – Traditional Dishes You Must Try in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is one of the most flamboyant and widely recognized festivals in Andhra Pradesh. It is a harvest festival that marks the sun’s entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makara Rashi) and heralds the arrival of longer days. It is celebrated with high spirits and regular rituals amid colourful decorations and most importantly, delicious festive food. Food is at the centre stage of the celebrations, with items in every household generously representing the regional culinary tradition. Let us dive into the special Sankranti food items prepared in Andhra Pradesh and distinguish what makes them special.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sankranti Special Food Items in Andhra Pradesh<\/b><\/h2>\n

During Sankranti, the kitchen of every house in the state of Andhra is lively with different dishes getting ready. They are a mix of festive spirit the wisdom of seasonal ingredients and traditional ways of cooking. Some of Sankranti’s traditional food items are.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/colgroup>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Sr. No<\/strong><\/td>\nSweet \/ Dish<\/strong><\/td>\nKey ingredients<\/strong><\/td>\nTexture \/ Taste<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
\n
Why it\u2019s special (Sankranti)<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1<\/td>\nAriselu<\/td>\nRice flour, jaggery (deep-fried)<\/td>\nCrispy outside, soft & chewy inside<\/td>\n\n
\n
Made in large batches as it lasts longer; shared with friends\/relatives as a symbol of love and prosperity.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\nSakkara Pongal<\/td>\nRice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, cardamom, cashews, raisins<\/td>\nRich, sweet, aromatic (ghee + cardamom)<\/td>\n\n
\n
A classic festive sweet pongal; commonly served as a Sankranti dessert.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\nGarelu (Medu Vada)<\/td>\nUrad dal batter (deep-fried)<\/td>\nCrispy, savory fritter<\/td>\n\n
\n
Staple in Sankranti meals; eaten as breakfast\/snack\/part of a grand meal with chutney or sambar.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\nPulihora (Tamarind Rice)<\/td>\nRice, tamarind, spices\/seasoning<\/td>\nTangy, spicy, salty balance<\/td>\n\n
\n
Must-have festive dish; often offered to deities first, then shared with family.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\nPongali (Savory)<\/td>\nRice, lentils, spices\/tempering, ghee<\/td>\nSavory, comforting, ghee-rich<\/td>\n\n
\n
Popular savory counterpart to sweet pongal; served with coconut chutney or pickle.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\nPappu Garelu<\/td>\nToor dal (thicker vada style)<\/td>\nThick, hearty, unique bite<\/td>\n\n
\n
Medu vada variant; commonly served with coconut chutney or spicy powders (like parapodia).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\nSunnundalu<\/td>\nRoasted urad dal, ghee, jaggery<\/td>\nDense, nutty, sweet; energy-rich<\/td>\n\n
\n
Protein-rich laddus made in bulk and stored for later snacking during Sankranti.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\nBoorelu<\/td>\nOuter dough (deep-fried), filling: chana dal, jaggery, coconut<\/td>\nCrisp outside with sweet lentil filling<\/td>\n\n
\n
Prepared as an offering to deities; enjoyed as a festive sweet after rituals.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\nChakkara Pongal<\/td>\nRice, moong dal, sugar (instead of jaggery), ghee, garnishes<\/td>\nSweet but milder than jaggery version<\/td>\n\n
\n
Sweet pongal variation preferred by those who like a lighter, less jaggery-heavy sweetness.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>\nPerugu Garelu<\/td>\nGarelu soaked in seasoned yogurt<\/td>\nCooling, sourish, soft + crispy mix<\/td>\n\n
\n
Refreshing festive favorite; balances flavors and textures beautifully.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Ariselu<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Ariselu\"<\/p>\n

Ariselu is a Sankranti sweet made out of rice flour and jaggery, deep-fried. The outside is crispy, while the inside remains soft and chewy, bringing joy to people of all ages. It is made on a larger scale as they last longer and can be shared with close friends and relatives, as a symbol of love and prosperity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Sakkara Pongal<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Sakkara<\/p>\n

Sakkara Pongal, or sweet pongal, is a quintessential breakfast. Based on rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee, this preparation is especially festive as it is garnished with cashews and raisins. The many flavours produced by cardamom and ghee make it a desirable dessert.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also Read – Traditional Sankranti Sweets of Andhra Pradesh\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Garelu (Medu Vada)<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Garelu<\/p>\n

These crispy lentil fritters have become an integral part of any Sankrant celebration. Made with urad dal batter and deep-fried, garelu can be served with chutneys or sambar. They are made versatile to be eaten as breakfast, snacks, or as an element of the grand meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Pulihora<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Pulihora\"<\/p>\n

Pulihora, or tamarind rice, is a tangy and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sour, spicy, and salty flavors. It is a must-have in the festive spread and is often prepared as an offering to the deities before being shared with the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Pongali<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Pongali<\/p>\n

Besides the sweet Pongal, savoury Pongali gains acclaim in its own right. Prepared with rice and lentils and tempered with spices, this dish assumes a very special taste with the addition of ghee. Treats for many, it is usually served with coconut chutney or pickle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Pappu Garelu<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Pappu<\/p>\n

These are a variation of mendu vada and are made from toor dal and are somewhat thicker in texture. They are of a unique consistency and are usually served with coconut chutney or spicy powders like parapodia.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Sunnundalu<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

These protein-rich laddus are made from roasted urad dal and mixed with ghee and jaggery. Not only are they delicious, but they are also nutritious and often made in bulk during Sankranti. They are made in heaps and then stored away for eating at leisure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Must See – Sankranti Sweets karnataka\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

8. Boorelu<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Boorelu<\/p>\n

Boorelu are deep-fried dumplings filled with a sweet lentil mixture. These are prepared as an offering to deities and are later enjoyed as part of the festive meal. The filling typically consists of chana dal, jaggery, and coconut, providing a delightful sweetness.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Chakkara Pongal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Chakkara<\/p>\n

Chakkara pongal is another variation of sweet pongal. This dish differs in taste because it uses sugar instead of jaggery. It is often preferred by those who enjoy milder sweetness.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Perugu Garelu<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Perugu<\/p>\n

This interesting dish requires soaking garelu in seasoned yoghurt to make a cooling and sourish delicacy. It is a perfect balance of flavours and textures, which makes it a favourite during the festive season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sankranti Special Food Items in Andhra Pradesh with Price<\/b><\/h2>\n

People make most of their Sankranti food at home but they also obtain sweets and snacks by purchasing them from neighborhood stores and online marketplace. Popular Sankranti food items in Andhra Pradesh are available at these estimated prices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Food Item<\/b><\/td>\nApproximate Price (INR)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ariselu<\/span><\/td>\n300 \u2013 400 per kg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sakkara Pongal<\/span><\/td>\n200 \u2013 300 per serving<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Garelu<\/span><\/td>\n150 \u2013 250 per dozen<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pulihora<\/span><\/td>\n100 \u2013 150 per serving<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunnundalu<\/span><\/td>\n400 \u2013 500 per kg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boorelu<\/span><\/td>\n300 \u2013 400 per kg<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chakkara Pongal<\/span><\/td>\n200 \u2013 300 per serving<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perugu Garelu<\/span><\/td>\n150 \u2013 250 per serving<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The combination of sweets is available in festive hampers which local sweet shops and online stores sell as pre-packaged offerings for people who want ready-to-go options. Furthermore, the hampers contain different specialties that reflect different regional traditions so various consumers can find something they enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: New Year Buffet in Hyderabad<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unique Recipes for a Memorable Sankranti Festival<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are a couple of unique recipes that you can try at home to make your Sankranti celebrations even more special:<\/span><\/p>\n

Recipe 1: Ariselu<\/b><\/h3>\n

Ingredients:<\/b><\/p>\n