India does have its rich traditions and vibrant festivals, and Sankranti is one of the most cherished celebrations in South India. It celebrates the harvest and also unites families for moments of joy, thanksgiving, and tasty food. In the case of Andhra Pradesh: Sankranti is not mere rituals in their own right, it’s also about relations. One such custom is the special treatment of the son-in-law, who is typically prepared from scratch often with an extravagant meal to celebrate and love. This year at the Sankranti celebrations in Guntur, a family made news when they served 158 dishes to their son-in-law.
The dishes were set out on banana leaves, traditional South Indian means of serving meals. The tweet quickly went viral, with people across the country responding in surprise, admiration and curiosity. Some were overwhelmed by many a hundred plates while others were moved by the fact that the gesture was so warm and with such passion.
A couple in Andhra Pradesh serves 158 dishes to son-in-law during Sankranti celebrations in Guntur 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WBFUhsM4F6
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) January 15, 2026
This lavish feast is part of a custom called "Pellikuturu Pandaga" in local circles. As such the daughter and her husband meet on Sankranti at her home. The son-in-law is treated like royalty and the food is an honor to him, indicating that there should be respect, comfort and celebration. Families frequently prepare dozens of dishes, the recipes made with traditional methods based on local ingredients. The goal is not just to flatter, but to show love and generosity in as big a way as you can.
Although the exact menu from the Guntur feast wasn’t distributed, such spreads usually feature a wide variety of rice dishes among them lemon rice, tamarind rice and curd rice. The place also serves a cornucopia of vegetable curries, lentil dishes and traditional sweets such as laddu, ariselu, obbatlu and payasam. Savory snacks including murukku, chekkalu and vada are plentiful, along with homemade pickles, chutneys and flavored buttermilk. Every plate had been made and served with meticulous preparation to make the meal more culture show.
The video received thousands of responses online. Some users commended the couple’s commitment and the beauty of Andhra culture. Some joked about how long it would take to complete all the food. Many people from Andhra Pradesh wrote in their own personal accounts to share the same traditions, sharing their own story. For people without background on the traditions, the video opened their eyes to what Sankranti in India can be.
This occasion also exemplifies how Indian festivals go beyond ceremony, to a broader human-to-human atmosphere. At the same time, food serves as a means to pay respect to people, to express gratitude and to help unify families. In a time when contemporary life can often feel like a sprint, one that has lost contact with others, these are the kinds of traditions that teach me to spend more time taking a slow breath and celebrating together.
The gift as the gesture of the Guntur couple seems huge, but it also represents the Indian religious values of generosity, respect and joy. And it’s not just the number of dishes, but how much love they’ve expressed, that’s driving it. As the video spreads online, it highlights the beauty of regional traditions and the emotional depth of family life.
Ultimately, this Sankranti feast is larger than a viral moment. It's a moment of cultural remembrance, family, and the joy that comes from sharing a meal. Whether it’s 158 dishes or just a few, Sankranti remains one of the most enduring traditions and a very true family life together.
