Tirupati's annual folk festival begins at Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple
The much-awaited annual folk festival in Tirupati began at Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple on Tuesday with the priests tying the 'Vadibalu', a sacred offering, to the stone pillar located in front of the temple. Several devotees thronged the temple to witness the offering.
The practice of tying 'Vadibalu' follows the ancient tom-tom system (Chatimpu), where people carrying drums go around the town, to announce the beginning of the festival. It also sends a message to the native residents not to leave the temple town till the end of the festival, on May 13.
Travel ban
The announcement is taken as a dictate from Goddess Gangamma to 'avoid travelling' and stay within the periphery of the town. However, due to the seamless expansion of the temple town over the decades, locals who require travelling usually stay in the neighbouring villages during the 'Chatimpu' to avoid the 'travel ban'.
According to a folklore, a local chieftain (Palegadu) misbehaved with Gangamma, who vowed to kill him. After the Palegadu went into hiding, Gangamma visited the town in different guises to lure him out. She succeeded on the final day and slayed him. Gangamma is idealised as an epitome of feminine power and is worshipped as a saviour.
The devotees also don up in different attires to pay obeisance to the Goddess. On the first three days, they smear charcoal, limestone paste and vermilion (kumkum) respectively all over their body. Later, they turn up in guises, either representing demonic and mythological characters.
Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, accompanied by the public representatives and alliance leaders, presented an offering at the temple by carrying it on his head.
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