Thala Pongal feast wows internet with 158 dishes for son-in-law

A lavish Thala Pongal feast featuring 158 varieties of food hosted for a newly married son-in-law in Andhra Pradesh has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and admiration.
The grand celebration was organised by Muralikrishna, a resident of Guntur district, and his wife at their home to mark the first Sankranti festival of their daughter after marriage. Their daughter Mounika and her husband Sridatta had arrived to celebrate Thala Pongal, traditionally observed as the first harvest festival for a bride after her wedding.
Sridatta and Mounika, both natives of Rajahmundry in East Godavari district, were married recently. As part of the Thala Sankranti tradition, the bride’s family hosted an elaborate and memorable feast for the son-in-law.
The highlight of the celebration was the massive spread of 158 food items served on banana leaves. The menu included a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, along with sweets, savouries and traditional Andhra delicacies, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.
A video showing the couple seated together and partaking in the feast has been shared widely online. The visuals of the extensive food spread have fascinated netizens, with many praising the family’s hospitality and the cultural significance of the Thala Pongal tradition.
The video continues to circulate across social media platforms, turning the festive family celebration into an internet sensation.