In which Indian state is the Makar Sankranti tradition known as Yellu Balla celebrated?

Introduction / Context:
This question connects Indian festivals with regional customs and terminology. Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India under different names and with unique local practices. The term Yellu Balla refers to a specific tradition associated with this festival in one of the southern states, and recognising the correct state improves cultural awareness.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The festival context is Makar Sankranti.
• The phrase Yellu Balla is used as a regional name or custom.
• Four southern or western Indian states are provided as options.

Concept / Approach:
In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is often called Sankranti or Makara Sankramana, and a special custom known as Yellu Balla involves sharing a mixture that includes sesame seeds and jaggery. Families visit each other, exchange this mixture and greet with wishes for harmony. This practice is distinctive to Karnataka culture and helps identify the correct state among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Associate the phrase Yellu Balla with a regional language. The word yellu refers to sesame in Kannada. Step 2: Recognise Kannada as the language of Karnataka. Step 3: Recall that during Makar Sankranti in Karnataka, people distribute a mixture of sesame, jaggery and other ingredients as part of Yellu Balla. Step 4: Compare this with Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which have their own names such as Uttarayan, Pedda Panduga or Pongal. Step 5: Conclude that the state linked with Yellu Balla is Karnataka.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cultural notes and festival articles about Karnataka highlight Yellu Balla as a key element of Sankranti, explaining that people say kind words and share the sweet mixture to forget past differences. Similar terms do not appear in descriptions of Sankranti in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, where kite flying or pongal preparation are more prominent. This context confirms Karnataka as the right answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gujarat: Celebrates the festival as Uttarayan with large kite flying events, not with Yellu Balla under that name.
Andhra Pradesh: Has Sankranti customs such as Bhogi and Kanuma, but the specific phrase Yellu Balla is not central.
Tamil Nadu: Observes Pongal with rice dishes and rituals distinct from the Karnataka Yellu Balla tradition.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes guess randomly among southern states because they know the festival is important in that region. Another mistake is assuming that every state uses similar vocabulary, which is not true. Paying attention to language roots and typical local words helps link Yellu Balla correctly to Kannada and therefore to Karnataka.

Final Answer:
The Sankranti tradition called Yellu Balla is celebrated in the state of Karnataka.