Pedda (Peddala) Festival — an Andhra Sankranti tradition of ancestor offerings + harvest gratitude
Explainer • Traditions • Shareables

What is Pedda Festival?

In parts of Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is also known as Pedda or Peddala Panduga — a “big festival” that includes prayers and offerings to ancestors alongside thanksgiving for a successful harvest. fileciteturn4file0

Meaning
Pedda = big • Panduga = festival. fileciteturn4file0
Focus
Ancestor offerings + gratitude.
Season
Mid-January harvest time. fileciteturn4file0
How it connects
Sankranti is a harvest festival across India; Pongal is a well-known 3–4 day celebration in Tamil Nadu and South India. In some Andhra regions, it’s called Pedda. fileciteturn4file0
Offerings
Ancestors
Thanks
For harvest
Crops
Paddy, pulses, sugarcane. fileciteturn4file0
Timing
Mid-January
Tip: This page modernizes the original “Pedda Festival” article.

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What is Pedda (Peddala) Festival?

Meaning

Pedda means “big” and Panduga means “festival”. fileciteturn4file0

Where

Observed in various parts of Andhra Pradesh during the Sankranti season. fileciteturn4file0

What people do

Prayers and offerings are made to ancestors, while thanking God for a good harvest. fileciteturn4file0

Original description (cleaned up)

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. fileciteturn4file0

Why it matters

A simple, human explanation (useful for readers new to the tradition).

Remembering elders

Many families use this day to remember elders who shaped the family—through prayers, offerings, and a shared meal.

Gratitude for harvest

By mid-January, crops like paddy, pulses, sugarcane and other cereals are harvested. fileciteturn4file0

Family togetherness

The rituals create a moment for family generations to come together—sharing stories, food, and blessings.

Modern, respectful participation

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).

Clean & prepare

Home cleaning, fresh clothes, and festive décor often start the day.

Prayer & offerings

Prayers and offerings are made for ancestors and for harvest prosperity. fileciteturn4file0

Family meal

A shared meal is central—invite neighbors or share food as a gesture of goodwill.

Giving

Donation of food/grains or helping someone locally is a meaningful modern addition.

Connect generations

Call elders, share memories, and pass down stories about ancestors and harvest traditions.

Festival joy

If your community flies kites or hosts gatherings, keep it safe and bird-friendly.

Where Pedda fits in the Sankranti–Pongal season

A simple orientation for readers (especially outside Andhra/Telangana).

Sankranti season

Mid-January harvest celebration across many regions and countries. fileciteturn4file0

Pongal (South India)

A famous 3–4 day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu and South India. fileciteturn4file0

Pedda / Peddala

In parts of Andhra Pradesh, the Sankranti celebration is also known as Pedda/Peddala—highlighting ancestor offerings. fileciteturn4file0

Internal cross-links (optional)

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.

Quick greeting idea: Happy Pedda / Sankranti! ☀️ 🌾