Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant festivals in Andhra Pradesh, celebrated during the harvest season when the sun changes to Makara Rashi or Capricorn. The festival is not just a cultural and religious event but also a treat for the palate as traditional sweets play the starring role. The jaggery-based sweets with rice and other healthy ingredients signify prosperity and togetherness. In this blog, we discuss the best Sankranti sweets in Andhra Pradesh, their significance, and approximate prices to help you dive into the festive spirit.

Best Sankranti Sweets Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, celebrations on Sankranti would never be complete without a gamut of traditional sweets. Here’s a list of 10 must-try icons during the festival:

1. Ariselu

Ariselu is the classic Andhra sweet, rice flour with jaggery being deep-fried to the ultimate perfection. It is the chewy, round delicacies a staple of celebrations on Sankranti, symbolizing good fortune.

2. Poornalu

Poornalu, which is another name for Boorelu, are fried dumplings stuffed with a very sweet mixture of jaggery and chana dal. It gives both crunchy outer layers and a soft interior. This makes it a favourite in festivals.

3. Kajjikayalu

These crescent-shaped sweets are studded with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom, after which it is enveloped in a crunchy, fried exterior. Kajjikayalu is usually made in big batches to be shared.

Check Out: Sankranti sweets Karnataka

4. Bellam Pongali

Jaggery and rice form the base for a sweet rice pudding mixed with moong dal. Flavoured with ghee, cashews and raisins, Bellam Pongali adds luxury to Sankranti feasts.

5. Rava Laddu

Semolina, sugar, and ghee make up Rava Laddu, a very simple but delicious sweet. It is made ahead of time and distributed among friends and family.

6. Sunnundalu

These protein-rich laddus are made of roasted urad dal, jaggery, and ghee. They are not only delectable but quite wholesome as well.

7. Palathalikalu

Palathalikalu is a pretty unique Sankranti dessert. It comprises handmade noodles of rice flour cooked in a sweetened milk mixture containing jaggery along with cardamom.

8. Paramannam

Paramannam is a traditional rice pudding popularly made with rice, jaggery, and milk. It is sometimes also given as prasadam for festival purposes.

9. Gavvalu

Gavvalu, or “shell sweets,” are tiny, shell-shaped treats made with all-purpose flour and coated in a jaggery syrup for a delightful crunch.

10. Milk Mysore Pak

A softer, milkier version of the classic Mysore Pak, this sweet is made with besan, sugar, and ghee, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

Sankranti Sweets Andhra Pradesh Price

Here’s an approximate price list for some of the popular Sankranti sweets in Andhra Pradesh:

Sweet Name	Approximate Price (INR)
Ariselu	350 – 450 per kg
Poornalu	300 – 400 per dozen
Kajjikayalu	300 – 400 per dozen
Bellam Pongali	200 – 300 per serving
Rava Laddu	300 – 400 per kg
Sunnundalu	400 – 500 per kg
Palathalikalu	250 – 350 per serving
Paramannam	200 – 300 per serving
Gavvalu	300 – 400 per kg
Milk Mysore Pak	400 – 500 per kg

These sweets are available in local sweet shops, and many also prepare them at home using traditional recipes.

Conclusion

Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh is a celebration of gratitude, unity, and culinary heritage. Traditional sweets prepared during this festival add to the festive spirit and unite families. Ariselu to Palathalikalu has its own flavours and cultural importance, making the festival memorable. Be it preparation at home or purchase from local shops, they will surely give a sweet feel to your Sankranti celebrations.

FAQs

Q1. What are sweets during Andhra Pradesh’s Sankranti?

Ans:- Sweets are a way of expressing good times, well-being, and generosity during harvest festivals.

Q2. What is the sweet that is highly preferred during Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans:- Ariselu is perhaps one of the most popular sweets enjoyed during Andhra Pradesh Sankranti.

Q3. Are these sweets hard to make at home?

Ans:- Most of these sweets require basic ingredients and traditional methods, making them manageable with practice.

Q4. Can I order Sankranti sweets online?

Ans:- Yes, nowadays, sweet shops and even online portals provide sweets to deliver to your place.

Q5. How long are these sweets fresh?

Ans:- Ariselu and Kajjikayalu can be stored fresh for up to a couple of weeks if kept in a closed container

Q6. Are these sweets healthy?

Ans:- Well, though most of the sweets contain jaggery and are made with wholesome ingredients, it is only advisable to have them in moderation.

Q7. How to celebrate Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh?

Ans:- The best ways to celebrate such a day can be by preparing traditional sweets, cultural activity participation, and spending time with loved ones.