Sankranthi, celebrated in mid-January, is one of the most important and elaborate harvest festivals in Kurnool District, spanning four days of festivities. This festival marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and the official start of the harvest season. The first day, Bhogi, involves burning old household articles in a bonfire, symbolizing discarding the old and welcoming the new. The second and main day is Makara Sankranti, celebrated with special prayers, wearing new clothes, and the preparation of traditional sweet dishes like Pongal and various sweets (ariselu, gavvalu). A unique and cherished tradition in Kurnool, as in many parts of Andhra Pradesh, is Ganga Redlu (Bull Decoration), where decorated oxen are paraded through the villages. The skies are filled with colorful kites, as kite-flying competitions are a popular part of the Sankranti festivities, making it a vibrant celebration of agriculture, family, and community.
