A quiet, homebound harvest festival is undergoing a dramatic transformation in Telangana. For a growing segment of the state's residents, particularly the youth from Hyderabad and surrounding towns, the Sankranti celebrations are no longer about staying local. Instead, they are embarking on a journey eastward, crossing into the heart of Andhra Pradesh's villages in search of a raw, high-energy spectacle largely missing back home.
The Rise of a Cross-Border Festival Trail
This shift, which has steadily gained momentum since 2023, marks the creation of a new cross-border festival trail. Driven by festive curiosity, peer influence, and the allure of unfiltered rural entertainment, Sankranti is being reimagined by Telangana's younger generation as a destination experience rather than a domestic ritual. R Mahesh, a resident of Malkajgiri, highlights the contrast. He notes that in Telangana, the festival traditionally revolves around kite flying, rangoli, and family gatherings. "But over the last couple of years, friends started talking about going to Andhra villages where cockfights and betting activities take centre stage. It has now become almost a destination festival for many young people," he explained.
Cockfights: The Primary Magnet
The difference in celebration styles is stark. In urban and semi-urban Telangana, festivities are largely family-centric and wind down after daytime. Across the border, however, coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions come alive with 'kodi pandem'—traditional rooster fights that attract massive crowds. These events, deeply rooted in rural culture, are often accompanied by card games, informal betting pools, and a carnival-like atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
Travel and hospitality operators in Andhra Pradesh confirm a visible spike in visitors from Telangana over the last two festival seasons. The movement of private cars, hired cabs, and informal group travel from Hyderabad, Bhuvanagiri, and nearby towns has become routine during Sankranti, transforming quiet villages into bustling temporary hubs. Ch Gnaneshwar from Hayathnagar says the pull is largely word-of-mouth. "Friends describe the crowds, the noise, the music and the excitement. Over the last two years, we've gone together as groups. It's completely different from the calm, predictable city celebrations," he said.
Economic Ripples and Legal Concerns
For many, the attraction is a blend of escape and event. Akula Srinivas of Bhuvanagiri describes it as a "short festive escape," involving early morning departures, local homestays, traditional food, and immersive game-watching. This migration is boosting Andhra's local economy, with vendors of traditional food and handicrafts, as well as interstate transport operators, reporting significantly higher demand.
However, the trend raises significant legal and ethical questions. While cockfights and associated gambling have long been part of Sankranti in parts of Andhra, authorities consistently stress that illegal betting and unauthorized events invite enforcement. Officials state that surveillance is stepped up during the festival to balance cultural practices with law and order concerns.
Ultimately, this growing movement illustrates how a shared harvest festival now embodies two distinct cultural expressions. For a section of Telangana's youth and professionals, Sankranti has expanded beyond kite-filled skies and family lunches. It now involves a deliberate crossing of state lines towards a louder, riskier, and unmistakably different way to ring in the season.
