Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Sankranti Festivities Begin Across Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, big celebrations for Sankranti started in different places.
In Guntur city, the Welfare Centre, which used to have bad activities, now has fun games and cultural shows.
The mayor and a local leader started the event.
In the Godavari districts, there are traditional cockfights with lots of betting.
Some people support these cockfights, while others say they are not allowed.
In Naravaripalle, the Chief Minister and his family joined in games and folk songs.
All hotels in Bhimavaram are full because so many people came to celebrate.
The celebrations will continue for a few days, with more fun activities planned.
Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti festivities began at the Welfare Centre in Guntur city, inaugurated by the mayor and MLA.
Traditional annual cockfights started in the erstwhile Godavari districts, with expected betting amounts crossing ₹500 crore.
Pre-Sankranti celebrations were held in Naravaripalle with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family.
All hotels in Bhimavaram district are fully booked due to the high number of visitors for the festivities.
Tourism minister supports cockfights, while home minister states no permission has been granted and police will check.
- Who
- Guntur city mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra, Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmed, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, villagers, bettors, and audience
- What
- Inauguration of Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti festivities, traditional annual cockfights, pre-Sankranti celebrations
- When
- Tuesday (Guntur and Naravaripalle), Wednesday to Friday (Godavari districts)
- Where
- Welfare Centre in Guntur city, erstwhile Godavari districts, Naravaripalle
- Why
- To celebrate Sankranti in a grand manner, to curb antisocial activities, traditional gambling and cultural celebrations
Pro-Cockfight
Anti-Cockfight
Legality of Cockfights
Pro-Cockfight
Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh supports traditional gambling cockfights, stating they will be held for all three days of Sankranti Festival.
Anti-Cockfight
Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha states no permission has been granted for cockfights and police will check them if organized.
- Location
- Guntur city, erstwhile Godavari districts, Naravaripalle
- Inaugurated By
- Guntur city mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra, Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmed, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
- Duration
- Until January 15 (Guntur), Three days (Godavari districts), Tuesday (Naravaripalle)
- Key Activities
- Rangoli, tug-of-war, seven stones, cultural programs, traditional games, cockfights, boat races, gambling, folk songs
- Future Plans
- Walking track and additional sports facilities (Guntur), Cockfight arenas (Godavari districts)
- Betting Amount
- Expected to cross ₹500 crore in Godavari districts
- Accommodation
- All hotels in Bhimavaram district are fully booked, with prices for stay shooting up
Sources
Mana Guntur–Mana Sankranti Festivities Begin At Welfare Centre
Godavari-Style Betting Arenas Mushroom Around Vijayawada for Sankranti
Stage Set for Numerous Cockfights in Erstwhile Godavari District From Today
Naravaripalle Hosts Pre-Sankranti Celebrations With CM, Family
All Hotels in Godavari Districts Are Booked Beyond Capacity
Festive spirit fills Naravaripalle as CM joins Sankranti celebrations
Rangoli contest evokes huge response at Nunna
Sankranti shuttle badminton tourney commences