11-05-2025
Chittoor's Ganga Jatara to begin today
Chittoor gears up to hold the annual three-day Ganga Jatara in the honour of Goddess Gangamma scheduled from Monday. The mass festival, with deep roots in the region's cultural fabric, attracts devotees from across Rayalaseema districts, neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States.
The Ganga Jatara dating back to more than three centuries is unlike most jataras centred around temples. The Jatara involves the installation of Goddess Gangamma idol made of clay and turmeric in the middle of the road at the busy Bazar Street, and on the concluding day, the idol is ceremoniously immersed in the Kattamanchi tank.
For three days, devotees dressed up in different attires engage in a variety of rituals, including the offering of 'Ambali,' a Ragi-made porridge, to the Goddess. The entire Chittoor city and surrounding villages come alive with processions, music, and dance, creating a frenzied atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police V.N. Manikantha Chandolu has ordered the deployment of about 800 police personnel to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Jatara. Special teams will manage traffic and organisers were directed to exercise utmost caution, especially with electrical illumination works.
The Ganga Jatara will simultaneous be celebrated in Obanapalle, Santhapeta, Doddipalle, Murakambattu, Greamspet, and Kongareddipalle.
