Sankranti is a celebration of life's simple joys in my village: Ananya Nagalla

For Ananya Nagalla, Sankranti is more than just a festival; it's sa nostalgic journey back to her roots. "Sankranti holds a special place in the hearts of all Telugu people. This year, I'm thrilled to celebrate with my family in our village again. We revived this tradition last year after a decade, and it feels like coming home," shares the Vakeel Saab actress. Clad in a simple green saree, Ananya's eyes gleam with memories of rangolis, kites, and family reunions, as she opens up about the unique charm that sets Sankranti apart in Sathupalli village, Khammam district.
'GOBBEMMALU, RANGOLIS & BHOGI MANTALU EPITOMISE FESTIVITIES'
Sankranti brings back memories of my village, where the ambiance amid coconut groves, paddy fields, and meandering canals is truly magical.
The festivities kick off at 4 to 5 AM with Bhogi mantalu, signifying the release of negativity and the embrace of new beginnings. Large rangolis, adorned with colourful patterns drawn using muggu, embellish the fronts of our houses. These rangolis are decorated with gobbemmalu, regi pallu (jujebi), turmeric, vermilion, and flowers at the center. In the village, there's a friendly competition among the villagers to create bigger and more beautiful rangolis compared to others.

'I'VE FLOWN KITES ONLY 2-3 TIMES, BUT THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE'
The highlight is the family reunion, with every- one gathering in the village, dressed in ethnic attire. The day unfolds with visits to each other's homes and lively games that continue throughout. I've flown kites about two to three
times and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. During the Vakeel Saab shoot, Anjali garu invited me to join in flying kites, and we had a great time. We also have kodi pandalu (cockfighting), but traditionally, they were restricted to men.
'I watch all the Sankranti releases with my cousins'
My go-to tradition every year, is to watch all the Sankranti releases. I go to the theatre with my cousins for the evening show on all three days. The experience of watching movies on the big screen, along with the festive atmosphere is something you have to witness first hand to understand.
LOOK FORWARD TO GORGING ON THE ARISELU AND BOONDI LADDOOS EVERY SANKRANTI
What's Sankranti without the pindi vantalu. Ariselu, the traditional sweet dish that is made popularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
It is a must-have during the Sankranti festival at home. However, my personal favourite is jaggery boondi laddoo. Since my family is vegetarian, we enjoy a delightful spread of various vegetable dishes along with these sweets.
-written by Priyanka Goud, shot by- Srikar Kantamneni, Tejpal Reddy.