Royal Sankranti Welcome: Andhra Family Prepares 158 Dishes For Son-in-Law
A family from Tenali in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district has captured nationwide attention this Sankranti after hosting an extraordinary feast featuring 158 dishes to honour their son-in-law.
Vandanapu Muralikrishna and his wife prepared the lavish spread for their son-in-law, Sridatta, who hails from Rajahmundry in the Godavari district, and their daughter, Maunika.
The occasion was especially meaningful as it marked the couple’s first Sankranti after their marriage last year, a milestone that holds deep emotional and cultural significance in many Andhra households.
In several parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Godavari belt, Sankranti is more than a harvest festival. It is a time when sons-in-law are traditionally welcomed with great respect and affection, often treated like royalty.
Families express this warmth through elaborate feasts, gifts, and rituals that symbolise prosperity and familial bonding.
Living up to this tradition, the Tenali family went above and beyond by preparing an astonishing variety of dishes, ranging from sweets and snacks to elaborate vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
The menu included classic Andhra favourites such as murukulu, chekkalu, garelu, and jaggery-based sweets like ariselu, bobbatlu, sunnundulu, and kajjikayalu, alongside rice varieties, curries, and festive delicacies.
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The sheer scale and attention to detail left guests and social media users alike in awe, with many describing the spread as “adirepoyela” — truly mind-blowing.
A heartwarming Andhra tradition!
In Tenali, Guntur district, a family prepared an incredible 158 dishes for their son-in-law, Sridatta, during his first Sankranti with them after marriage. pic.twitter.com/s97HLkqssD
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Tenali itself holds a special place in Andhra Pradesh’s cultural history. Known for its association with the legendary wit Tenali Rama, the town is celebrated for its rich literary and artistic heritage.
It is also famous for traditional sweets, especially bellam jalebi, a crispy jaggery-based delicacy that reflects the region’s love for bold, earthy flavours.
The feast coincided with Makar Sankranti, locally known as Pedda Panduga, one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh.
Celebrated over four days, the festival honours the Sun God and marks the harvest season. The celebrations begin with Bhogi, symbolising renewal, followed by Pedda Panduga, Kanuma, dedicated to cattle, and Mukkanuma, a day for community feasting.
