Latest news with #GangammaThalli
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.
