What is Pedda (Peddala) Festival?
Pedda means “big” and Panduga means “festival”. fileciteturn4file0
Observed in various parts of Andhra Pradesh during the Sankranti season. fileciteturn4file0
Prayers and offerings are made to ancestors, while thanking God for a good harvest. fileciteturn4file0
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated across India; “Pongal” is a famous 3–4 day festival in Tamil Nadu and South India. In parts of Andhra Pradesh it is also known as “Pedda” or “Peddala”. It is a festival when prayers and offerings are made to ancestors, and thanks are offered for a good harvest. fileciteturn4file0
Why it matters
A straightforward explanation for beginners to understand the tradition.
Families often honor their elders who have influenced the family by praying, making offerings, and sharing a meal on this day.
By mid-January, crops like paddy, pulses, sugarcane and other cereals are harvested. fileciteturn4file0
The traditions provide a special time for multiple generations of family to gather, exchanging tales, meals, and well-wishes.
If you’re observing Pedda away from home: light a lamp, offer a simple prayer, share food with someone in need, and call elders/family—small acts keep the meaning alive.
How it’s commonly observed
A practical checklist (varies by family and village—adapt freely).
Starting the day with home cleaning, fresh clothes, and festive décor is a common routine.
People make prayers and offerings for the well-being of their ancestors and for a bountiful harvest.
Inviting neighbors to a shared meal or sharing food as a gesture of goodwill is key.
Donating food or grains or providing local assistance is a significant contemporary contribution.
Reach out to the elders, exchange stories, and preserve the oral history of ancestors and harvest customs.
Ensure that your community's kite flying and gatherings are safe and bird-friendly.
Where Pedda fits in the Sankranti–Pongal season
A simple orientation for readers (especially outside Andhra/Telangana).
Mid-January harvest celebration across many regions and countries. fileciteturn4file0
A well-known harvest festival lasting 3-4 days celebrated in Tamil Nadu and South India.
In certain regions of Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti festivities are referred to as Pedda/Peddala, emphasizing the tradition of offering to ancestors.
If you’re building a mini-site, link this page to your themed pages like: “3-day Pongal guide”, “Important Sankrantis”, and “Information”.
Send Sankranti cards & messages
Kept from the original page: quick CTAs for sharing.