Alpharetta, Georgia — The Greater Atlanta Telugu Association (GATA) brought together hundreds of Telugu-speaking families to celebrate Sankranti in grand traditional style on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at DeSana Middle School. The harvest festival celebration showcased cultural performances, traditional food, and community spirit that connected Atlanta and surrounding areas.
The event unfolded at 625 James Rd, Alpharetta, with families gathering to honor this significant Telugu tradition. Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity.
GATA's Sankranti Sambaralu-2026 drew participation from families across the Greater Atlanta region who came together to celebrate their heritage. The celebration featured traditional practices, cultural showcases, and community bonding that strengthened ties among the Telugu diaspora.
Key Facts
• Event held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at DeSana Middle School, 625 James Rd, Alpharetta, Georgia
• GATA, a non-profit organization serving the Telugu-speaking community, organized the Sankranti Sambaralu-2026 celebration
• Hundreds of Telugu families from Atlanta and surrounding areas participated in the traditional harvest festival celebration
The Greater Atlanta Telugu Association has established itself as a vital cultural hub for the Telugu community in Georgia. Their mission extends beyond celebrations to providing platforms where members can showcase talent and pass down cultural knowledge.
For the Telugu diaspora in Atlanta, such cultural events serve as anchors that maintain connection to heritage while building community networks. These celebrations help younger generations understand and appreciate their cultural roots.
Sankranti holds deep significance in Telugu culture as a harvest festival that marks agricultural prosperity and new beginnings. The celebration emphasizes family bonding, gratitude, and cultural pride within the immigrant community.
GATA's success in organizing large community events demonstrates the growing strength and organization of the Telugu diaspora in Georgia. These gatherings create spaces where cultural traditions remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
According to GATA's mission statement,
This philosophy drove the Sankranti celebration to welcome families and create inclusive cultural experiences.
The celebration showcased why community organizations remain crucial for immigrant families navigating life in America. Through events like Sankranti Sambaralu, families preserve traditions, build support networks, and strengthen cultural identity.
GATA continues planning additional events throughout the year, including their popular Ugadi celebrations scheduled for April 12, 2026. Community members interested in participating can reach out through GATA's official channels and website for membership and volunteer opportunities.
Do You Know?
Sankranti is celebrated across India with different names and traditions — in North India it's called Makar Sankranti, while in South India, particularly among Telugu speakers, it's known as Sankranti. This harvest festival marks the beginning of the sun's northward journey and typically falls on January 14 or 15 each year.
Key Terms
• Sankranti: A harvest festival celebrated primarily in India marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity
• Telugu Diaspora: People of Telugu heritage living outside their native region or country, maintaining cultural connections to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
• GATA (Greater Atlanta Telugu Association): A non-profit organization dedicated to serving and connecting the Telugu-speaking community in the Greater Atlanta metropolitan area
• Sambaralu: A Telugu word meaning celebration or festival, often used to describe community gatherings and cultural events
Image from Wikimedia Commons