Latest news with #GangammaThalli
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh resume operations as annual ban comes to an end
Many of the boats anchored along the 24-km-long Visakhapatnam coast during the 61-day annual fishing ban from April 15 to June 14 resumed their deep-sea operations from Sunday (June 15). The ban is imposed to allow marine species to spawn, disrupting the supply chain. The fishing harbour wears a deserted look during the period. With the ban period coming to a close, the fishermen and stakeholders, including the consumers, look forward to a fruitful season. The fishing community in particular expect economic gains and enhanced livelihood opportunities. On the first day, nearly 50% of the fishing boats (675 mechanised and 1,303 motorised) resumed operations at the fishing harbour here and at several other places at dawn. Fishermen performed special prayers to Goddess Gangamma Thalli before resuming the operations. While all the 675 mechanised boats are from the fishing harbour, 695 motor boats are from various coastal areas of the city and 291 from Bhimili beach. The government had provided financial assistance to the fishermen families during the ban period. But several families expressed dissatisfaction as they did not get the aid so far. Speaking to The Hindu, Vijaya Krishna, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Visakhapatnam District, said, 'The ban on deep-sea fishing has been lifted. Now, fishermen are allowed to fish in Indian territorial waters with proper safety precautions as per government guidelines. The government has provided financial assistance of ₹24,27,60,000 to a total of 12,138 beneficiaries under the Matsyakara Bharosa scheme, which is applicable to deep-sea fishing fishermen during the ban period.' On the other hand, Federation of Indian Fishermen Organisations (FIFO) general secretary Arjili Das said, 'The government's financial assistance of ₹20,000, which has been announced in the run-up to the elections the NDA, has not reached 25% of the eligible families. We have brought the issue to the notice of the fisheries officials and the MLAs concerned. The Tamil Nadu government has been very honest in providing assistance to the fishermen during the ban period.' 'Fishermen are expecting a good catch this time due to good rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh from the end of May till date,' Mr. Das added. With no alternative livelihood options, many fishermen spent the ban period repairing their boats, or working as daily wage labourers in local bars and restaurants.
India Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Gangamma Jatara ends with grand Vishwaroopa Darshanam ceremony in Andhra Pradesh
The week-long Gangamma Jatara in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district concluded in grand fashion this morning, with the much-awaited Vishwaroopa Darshanam of the goddess Gangamma Thalli. The annual festival, which draws thousands of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states, is steeped in folklore and community Jatara, or procession, celebrates the goddess Gangamma Thalli and is considered one of the region's most significant cultural and spiritual events. A scene resembling this vibrant celebration was recently depicted in the movie 'Pushpa 2', giving audiences a glimpse into the grandeur of the tradition. advertisementAccording to local belief, it is deemed inauspicious to leave Tirupati while the Jatara is ongoing. Therefore, devotees, regardless of origin, remain in the town until the festivities come to a close. In the early hours of Sunday, the festival culminated with the goddess appearing in her divine Vishwaroopa form. The idol, made from clay, was presented to the crowds as Vedic scholars performed rituals, dispersing sacred sandalwood paste onto the waiting devotees. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervour as drums beat rhythmically and traditional chants echoed through the ensure smooth proceedings and safety for the visiting pilgrims, a heavy police bandobast was deployed. The celebration saw a large turnout of devotees who came to witness the goddess in her most glorious form, marking the end of yet another successful and spiritually enriching Gangamma IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- The Hindu
Chittoor's Ganga Jatara showcases body piercing rituals, unique culinary spread
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.
