Chittoor's Ganga Jatara showcases body piercing rituals, unique culinary spread

The Hindu

12-05-2025

The Bazaar Street in Chittoor city has been colourfully decorated as the Ganga Jatara celebrations will commence from today. Devotees will flock to the town from the early hours to worship Goddess Gangamma Thalli, considered the protector of the region from epidemics, natural calamities, and famine. The festival draws participation from all communities uniting generations and community spirit.
Celebrated during the Telugu month of 'Chaitra,' the jatara is a homecoming of the Goddess and residents of Chittoor, invite her into their midst by offering special prayers and offerings. It is a time for family reunions; as schools close for summer holidays, families invite relatives to join the celebrations.
A standout feature of the jatara is the 'Mahakumbha Naivedyam,' a unique culinary offering made to the Goddess with six different traditional dishes — ragi ambali (finger millet porridge), spicy fish curry, boiled eggs, brinjal curry, moringa leaf dishes, and traditional rice flour dumplings.
With May 13 and 14 being crucial days of the jatara, and in anticipation of the massive crowds, police have made elaborate security and logistical arrangements to ensure the festival is conducted without a hitch.
On the final day of the jatara one gets to see intense devotion as the 'Om Shakti' devotees perform 'incredible acts' such as piercing their tongues, backs, and limbs with iron rods. This ritual draws large crowds.