Pedda Panduga on Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Sankranti Moment at 03:13 PM
Pedda Panduga, the grand harvest festival of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, will be celebrated with great devotion and joy on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Coinciding with Makara Sankranti, Pedda Panduga marks the Sun’s auspicious transition into the Makara Rashi (Capricorn), symbolizing prosperity, renewal, and gratitude toward nature.
In 2026, the exact Pedda Panduga Sankranti Moment occurs at 03:13 PM, making this day spiritually powerful and astrologically significant.
What Is Pedda Panduga?
The term Pedda Panduga literally means “The Big Festival” in Telugu. It is the most important agricultural festival for Telugu-speaking people and is celebrated to thank:
- Surya Deva (Sun God) for life-giving energy
- Mother Earth for agricultural abundance
- Cattle for their role in farming
- Nature for sustaining life
Pedda Panduga is not just a religious observance but a cultural celebration deeply rooted in rural life, family values, and agrarian traditions.
Pedda Panduga 2026: Date and Time Details
- Festival Name: Pedda Panduga / Makara Sankranti
- Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM
- Zodiac Transition: Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn)
Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Pedda Panduga is based on the solar calendar, which is why it falls on or around January 14 every year.
Astrological and Spiritual Significance
The transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi is considered highly auspicious. From this day onward:
- Uttarayana begins (the Sun’s northward journey)
- Days gradually become longer
- Spiritual activities yield enhanced results
- Charity, holy baths, and prayers are highly rewarding
The Sankranti Moment at 03:13 PM in 2026 holds special importance for performing:
- Surya worship
- Sankranti rituals
- Auspicious beginnings
Pedda Panduga and the Harvest Connection
Pedda Panduga is essentially a harvest thanksgiving festival. By mid-January, farmers reap the benefits of months of hard work as crops like paddy, sugarcane, and pulses are harvested.
This festival reflects:
- Gratitude for a successful harvest
- Respect for agricultural labor
- Harmony between humans and nature
In villages, newly harvested grains are offered to deities before being consumed, symbolizing humility and thankfulness.
Traditional Rituals of Pedda Panduga
Surya Aradhana (Sun Worship)
Devotees wake up early, take holy baths, and offer prayers to Surya Deva, acknowledging his role in sustaining life and agriculture.
Bhogi Mantalu (Pre-Festival Ritual)
On the previous day, Bhogi, old items are burned in bonfires to signify:
- Letting go of negativity
- Welcoming new beginnings
Decorated Homes and Rangoli
Homes are cleaned and decorated with:
- Muggu (rangoli) designs
- Gobbemma figures made of cow dung
- Fresh flowers and mango leaves
Traditional Foods of Pedda Panduga
Food plays a central role in the celebration. Special dishes prepared include:
- Sankranti Pongal (sweet and savory)
- Ariselu
- Gavvalu
- Boorelu
- Sakinalu
These dishes are made using freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and ghee, emphasizing freshness and abundance.
Cultural Celebrations and Family Bonding
Pedda Panduga is a time for:
- Family reunions
- Visiting elders and relatives
- Exchanging gifts and festive foods
In many regions, traditional activities like:
- Kite flying
- Bullock cart decorations
- Folk dances and music
add to the festive atmosphere.
Pedda Panduga and Cattle Worship
Cattle are an integral part of farming life. During Pedda Panduga celebrations:
- Cows and bulls are bathed and decorated
- Special prayers are offered
- Gratitude is expressed for their contribution to agriculture
This reflects the deep respect Telugu culture holds for animals and nature.
Importance of Charity on Pedda Panduga
Donations made on this day are believed to bring great merit. Common acts of charity include:
- Donating food grains
- Offering clothes to the needy
- Feeding cows and birds
Charity performed around the Sankranti Moment is considered especially auspicious.
Pedda Panduga in Modern Times
Even today, Pedda Panduga continues to unite tradition with modern life. While urban celebrations may be simpler, the core values remain unchanged:
- Gratitude
- Togetherness
- Respect for nature
Social media greetings, community events, and cultural programs have added new dimensions to this age-old festival.
Pedda Panduga 2026: A Festival of Gratitude and Renewal
Celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the Sankranti Moment at 03:13 PM, Pedda Panduga stands as a reminder of humanity’s bond with nature, agriculture, and cosmic rhythms.
It is a festival that teaches us to pause, give thanks, share joy, and step into a new season with hope and positivity.
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of New Delhi, India with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise. Check here: https://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/sankranti/pedda-panduga/pedda-panduga-date-time.html?year=2026
