Fairs and Festivals of Telangana | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Introduction

• Telangana boasts a rich tapestry of diverse cultural traditions, exemplifying a composite and inclusive ethos. Festivals like Bathukamma, Sankranthi, Ramzan, Moharram, and Christmas are celebrated with zeal, symbolizing the region's secular ethos. Bathukamma, a vibrant floral festival, highlights the unique bond between nature and humanity, with women adorning intricate floral arrangements using locally grown flowers. 
• Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra or Navaratri, is observed with traditional fervor, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Bonalu, dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated with great pomp, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad during the month of Ashada. Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, is observed with devotion by Muslims across Telangana, with the historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar witnessing large congregations. The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, a renowned tribal festival held annually at Medaram in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, attracts visitors from around the world.

Fairs and Festivals of Telangana

• Bathukamma
• Vijayadashami (Dussehra or Navaratri)
• Bonalu
• Ramadan
• Sammakka Saralamma Jatara

Bathukamma: The unique festival of flowers in Fairs and Festivals of Telangana

• Bathukamma, a vibrant festival of Telangana, is celebrated by women using flowers that are indigenous to each region, serving as a symbol of the state's cultural identity. Occurring in the latter part of the monsoon season, before winter sets in, the festival coincides with the blooming of wildflowers across the uncultivated plains of Telangana, notably the 'gunuka poolu' and 'tangedu poolu'. 
• Other flowers such as banti, chemanti, and nandi-vardhanam also add to the colorful display. Women partake in the festivities, returning to their parental homes from their in-laws a week before the grand 'Saddula Batukamma,' celebrated two days prior to Dussehra. During this week, they create small 'Batukammas' and immerse them in nearby water bodies each evening. On the final day, men venture into the plains to gather flowers like gunuka and tangedi, bringing them home to create the large 'Batukamma'. 
• Carefully arranging the flowers in circular rows of alternating colors on a brass plate called a 'taambalam,' the entire household participates in the creation of this centerpiece. As evening approaches, women attire themselves in vibrant clothes and adorn numerous ornaments before placing the Batukamma in their courtyards. 
• Joining together in a large circle, women from the neighborhood sing songs while circling the Batukamma, symbolizing unity, love, and sisterhood. Before dusk, they carry the Batukammas on their heads in a colorful procession towards a nearby water body, accompanied by lively singing and festive decorations. 
• Upon reaching the water pond, the Batukammas are slowly immersed after further singing and celebration. Afterwards, they share sweets like 'maleeda' among family members and neighbors, returning home singing praises of Batukamma with empty brass plates. The festival underscores the connection between earth, water, and humanity, as women also create 'boddemma' deities alongside Batukamma to reinforce ponds and improve water retention. 
• The flowers used in Batukamma possess water-purifying properties, contributing to environmental improvement. Through Bathukamma, Telangana's agricultural communities celebrate nature's beauty and exhibit a scientific approach to preserving natural resources, embodying the region's cultural identity.

Dussehra Festival

• Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra or Navaratri, holds significant importance as a Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is observed with traditional fervor, devotion, and joy throughout the region. 
• The term "Vijayadashami" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Vijaya" signifies victory and "Dashami" refers to the tenth lunar day of the Hindu calendar month.

History

• According to ancient texts, powerful demons known as Asuras constantly sought to overthrow the Gods and seize control of Heaven. Among them, Mahishasura, assuming the form of a buffalo, grew particularly formidable, wreaking havoc on Earth. As the Asuras gained ascendancy under his leadership, the world suffered immensely. In response, the Gods pooled their energies into a divine feminine form known as Shakti to combat Mahishasura. 
• Emerging from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, this powerful force transformed into the goddess Durga, adorned with ten hands wielding special weapons bestowed upon her by the Gods. Riding upon a lion, Durga engaged in a fierce nine-day battle against Mahishasura. Finally, on the tenth day of the Ashvini shukla paksha, Durga emerged victorious, slaying the demon Mahishasura and restoring peace and righteousness to the world.

Festivities

• The Durga temple located near Bhadrakali Lake in Warangal, the Basara Temple, and the Alampur Jogulamba Temple, which is one of the Astadasa Shaktipeethas, among the 18 prominent temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti, resonate with chants and attract thousands of devotees. The Sharan Navaratri festival at Alampur Jogulamba Temple is particularly renowned, featuring a Theppotsavam (boat festival) as a grand concluding event on Vijaya Dasami at the confluence of Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, known as Sangamam. During this festival, young women joyously participate in the Bathukamma ritual, dancing around a clay pot adorned with flowers. This festive spirit extends to all temples of Goddess Durga across Telangana.
• Throughout the Navaratri period of nine nights, Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms and avatars such as Mahishasura Mardhini, Bala Tripura Sundari, Raja Rajeshwari, Annapoorna, Kali, Kanaka Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Gayatri Devi. Many residents of Hyderabad and urban areas return to their ancestral villages in rural Telangana during this time, infusing the villages with vibrant celebratory energy.
• Dussehra in Telangana is marked by special traditions, including the invitation of newlyweds by the bride's family for gifts and special attention. Students clean their books, and workers clean their tools for Ayudha Puja, a ritual performed on the ninth day of Navaratri, and retrieve them on Vijayadashami. Women and children arrange 'bommala koluvu,' a display of dolls and toys adorned with flowers and lamps. Saraswathi Puja is also observed by many Telangana families to initiate children into education, as Vijayadashami is considered highly auspicious for this purpose.
• In Hyderabad, devotees immerse large idols of the goddess in the famous Hussain Sagar Lake after offering fervent worship during the nine-day festival.

Bonalu

• Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, as well as in other parts of Telangana, India. It is an annual festival that typically takes place during the Hindu month of Ashada, falling in July or August.
• The festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahakali. Special prayers and rituals are conducted during the first and last days of the festival in honor of goddess Yellamma.
• Bonalu is a way of expressing gratitude to the Goddess for fulfilling vows and prayers. The term "Bonalu" in Telugu refers to a meal that is offered to the Mother Goddess as a part of the festival rituals.
• Women in households prepare a special dish made of rice, milk, and jaggery, cooked in a new earthen or brass pot. This dish is decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion.
• During the festival, women carry these pots on their heads as an offering to the Mother Goddess at temples, along with bangles and sarees.
• The festival involves the worship of Goddess Kali in various forms such as Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Dokkalamma, and others.

Bonalu festival - Origin

• The history of the Bonalu festival dates back to 1813 during a plague outbreak in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, resulting in numerous casualties.
• In response to the epidemic, a military battalion from Hyderabad sought the assistance of Mother Goddess Mahankaali at a temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• The military battalion prayed for relief from the disease, promising to reinstall the idol of Mahankaali in Secunderabad if their prayers were answered.
• It is believed that due to the prayers and offerings made to Mahankaali, the epidemic was contained, and the military battalion returned to install an idol in Secunderabad.

The Ritual

• Bonalu is a festival celebrated in various parts of Hyderabad.
• Celebrations start at Golconda Fort, then move to Ujjaini Mahakali Temple, Balkampet Yellamma temple, Pochamma and Katta maisamma temple, and Matheswari temple.
• Akkanna Madanna temple and Muthyalamma temple are also popular venues for the festival.
• Devotees, mostly women, dress up in traditional attire and jewelry.
• Teenage girls wear Half-Sarees and jewelry to showcase traditional grace.
• Women dance with balancing pots to rhythmic beats in honor of the Goddess.
• Women carrying Bonalu are believed to embody the spirit of the Mother Goddess.
• People sprinkle water on the feet of women carrying Bonalu to pacify the spirit.
• Devotees offer Thottelu, small colorful paper structures, as a token of respect.

Pothuraju

• Pothuraju is considered the brother of Mother Goddess.
• He is represented by a bare-bodied, well-built man.
• Pothuraju wears a red dhoti, bells near his ankles, turmeric on his body, and vermilion on his forehead.
• He dances to the beat of drums during the procession.

The Feast

• Bonalu is a traditional festival where devotees make divine offerings to Mother Goddess. 
• Families participate by sharing these offerings with relatives and guests to spread blessings and joy.

Rangam Ceremony

• Rangam, also known as the Performing the Oracle ritual, takes place the morning after the main festival. 
• During this custom, a woman embodies the goddess Mahankaali and offers insights into the future when asked by devotees. 
• It is a significant part of the Bonalu celebrations.

Ghatam Procession

• Ghatam involves a decorated copper pot symbolizing the mother goddess. It is carried by a priest dressed in traditional attire, accompanied by drummers. 
• The procession, starting from the first day of the festival, culminates with the immersion of the Ghatam in water on the final day. 
• The vibrant procession includes cultural displays and models representing Akkanna and Madanna, creating a festive atmosphere.

Sammakka Saarakka Jaathara

• Historical Background: The Sammakka Saralamma shrine in Warangal, built around the 12th century, commemorates two courageous tribal women. Legend has it that these women sacrificed their lives while fighting against unjust taxation imposed by the Kakatiya kings. The temple is a tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
• Annual Festival: The Sammakka Saralamma Jathara is an annual event celebrated at the temple, attracting millions of devotees. During this festival, deities are brought from the forest for worship, and offerings like jaggery are made to them. The festival is a symbol of devotion and community celebration, reflecting the rich tribal heritage and unity.

Historical Significance of Dandakaranya

• Dandakaranya is historically significant as the temporary dwelling place of Lord Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana during their 14-year exile in the forest.
• Local beliefs suggest that Goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka possess miraculous powers to grant wishes.
• Childless couples visit to seek blessings for children, while young girls pray for successful marriages.
• Pilgrims partake in ritual bathing in the Jampanna stream for purification and absolution from sins.

Maghasudha Pournami, the Special Occasion

• The Maghasudha Pournami festival commences in the month of Magha on the full moon day.
• During the festival, Sarakka is ceremonially brought from Kanneboyinapalle village and placed on an earthen platform under a tree.
• Following this, the main goddess Sammakka is brought from Chilukalagutta to a separate platform.
• The platforms, made of bamboo sticks adorned with vermilion and turmeric, symbolize the presence of the goddesses.
• Traditional rituals during the festival include the retrieval of sacred relics from a hidden forest location, accompanied by celebratory music and offerings.
• Legend speaks of a peaceful tiger roaming the area during the festival, while devotees offer coconuts and jaggery at the base of ancient trees.

Peerla Panduga Festival

• Muharram, also known as Peerla Panduga, is a significant festival in Telangana.
• The festival is characterized by processions, with a relic called Alam being paraded.
• Ashurkhana, a cluster of Sufi Shrines, serves as the venue for these processions.
• Both Muslims and Hindus participate in the festival, chanting "Ya Hussain" with enthusiasm.
• In Dabeerpura, Hyderabad, Hindus play the role of standard-bearers at the shrine of Bibi Ka Alawa.

Significance of Peerla Panduga

• Thousands of Hindus gather to worship the holy relic of Alam during this festival.
• It is believed that seeing this relic brings solace and peace to the devotees.

Celebrations and Customs

• Deities are brought from the forest for a 10-12 day period.
• Devotees offer prayers and present 'bangaram,' which is pure jaggery, to the deities.
• The atmosphere is filled with divine chants and thousands of pilgrims arrive for the Jathara.

Historical Significance

• The Badeshahi Ashurkhana in Hyderabad boasts a 400-year history and attracts large crowds.
• On the final day, Alam is carried in a procession from Bibi ka Alawa to Masjid-e-Ilahi.

Regional Celebrations

• Peerla Panduga is also observed in rural areas near Sufi shrines and Durgahs in Telangana.

Ramzan

• Ramzan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar calendar.
• It commences after the month of Shaban upon sighting the new moon. If the new moon is not seen after 30 days of Shaban, Ramadan starts.
• The duration of Ramzan is either 29 or 30 days, contingent on the moon sighting.
• If the moon is sighted on the night of the 29th fast, Shawwal begins the following day, concluding Ramadan.
• Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated at the start of Shawwal, marks the end of Ramadan.

Observing Ramzan

• During Ramzan, fasting is practiced from dawn until after sunset.
• It is a month of fasting for all physically capable individuals, including women and post-pubescent children.
• In Telangana, Eid al-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and the commencement of Shawwal.

Cultural Significance

• In Hyderabad, Ramzan is celebrated fervently by the Muslim community.
• Mosques across the city resonate with sirens for 'sahr,' the pre-dawn meal.
• Namaz-e-Taraveeh, special prayers recited daily during Ramzan, attracts numerous devotees.
• Mecca Masjid near Charminar witnesses a large congregation during this period.
• Special provisions are arranged for women in mosques and function halls for prayers.

Activities and Traditions

• Shopping for essentials continues late into the night during Ramzan.
• The city of Hyderabad bustles with activity, especially in the old city and Muslim-majority neighborhoods.
• Haleem, a popular dish, is widely available in hotels post-Iftar, the breaking of the fast.
• Hyderabad sees a surge in the sale of dates and fruits for breaking the fast.

Social Harmony and Unity

• During Ramzan, the spirit of Hindu-Muslim unity thrives in Telangana, known for its secular ethos.
• The month is characterized by immense festivities, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Hyderabad.

Kurumurthy Swamy Jathara - Mahabubnagar

• Overview: Kurumurthy Swamy Jathara in Mahabubnagar is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Venkateshwara. The temple, situated on Kurupathi Hills, has a rich spiritual history and is known for its longstanding traditions.
• Origin Story: Legend has it that Goddess Sri Lakshmi Devi requested Lord Srinivasa to manifest himself on the hills so devotees could worship Him easily. In response, Lord Srinivasa appeared on the Kurupathi Hills. The name 'Kurupathi' signifies a place where the Lord resides, derived from Telugu words meaning 'to do', 'mind', and 'husband'.
• Historical Significance: The image of the Lord resided in caves for approximately 630 years until a temple was constructed by Sri Mukkara Chandra Reddy on the hills. Subsequent renovations were carried out by Sri Ramabhupal and KothaKapulu, enhancing the temple's architectural grandeur.
• Architectural Marvel: The temple showcases magnificent architectural style, featuring a grand entrance with a huge Gopuram. While pilgrims traditionally had to climb 200 steps to reach the main temple, vehicular access is now available.
• Interesting Facts: The temple, often referred to as the second Tirupati, was previously accessible through crawling as it was in a cave-like form. The current structure is a reconstruction of the original.

Nagoba Jaatara

• Nagoba Jaatara is a significant tribal festival conducted in Keslapur village, Inderavelly Mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana, India.
• It stands as the second largest tribal carnival and is commemorated by the Mesaram clan of Gond tribes spanning 10 days.
• Tribal communities from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh, specifically the Mesram clan, participate in offering prayers during this festival.
• Thousands of tribal members from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, affiliated with the Mesaram clan, come together to partake in the Nagoba festival.
• The festival commences during the pushya masam period.
• Initiating with tribal priests performing abhishekam to the Nagoba idol at the Keslapur temple using water collected from the Godavari River in Jannaram mandal, situated 70 km away from the village.

Nagoba Jatara Celebrations

• The Nagoba Jatara festivities are vibrant and lively, marked by various rituals and cultural expressions.
• During the festival, the community engages in traditional dances, songs, and other forms of artistic performances.
• Offerings are made to the deity, symbolizing reverence and gratitude among the participants.
• Local delicacies and traditional dishes are prepared and shared among the attendees as part of the celebrations.
• Rituals commence in the morning with Mesram elders placing the ancient 'jhari' water container before its puja.
• A group of Gond and Pradhan elders fetch holy water from Hastina Madugu of river Godavari, receiving a traditional welcome under the old banyan tree.
• Prior to the pujas, Gonds purify the temple with Ganga Jal or water from the Godavari at 'Hastina Madugu,' where Nagoba quenched his thirst after the 'naivedyam'.
• The ceremony 'bheting' integrates new brides into the clan, introducing them formally through rituals.
• New daughters-in-law, known as Bheti Koriad, dressed in white saris, are introduced to goddess Jangubai.
• The naivedyam in bamboo baskets consists of freshly harvested grains, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest.
• Celebrations include music and over 15 types of dances, with the Gusadi Dance by Gond tribe dancers as a highlight.
• Gond pilgrims and priests perform traditional music at the entrance of the Jangubai cave temple.
• Gond women, after the festivities, resume daily tasks joyfully, including grinding grains.
• Women on pilgrimage to Jangubai caves prepare food at a designated shed.
• At night, the Gonds conduct the Mahapuja of Nagoba, marking the start of the annual tribal fair.

Komuravelli Mallanna Jaathara

• Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also known as Komuravelli Mallanna Temple, is a Hindu temple situated atop a hill in Komuravelli village of Siddipet district in Telangana. Positioned near Siddipet on SH–1 Rajiv Rahadari, this temple is dedicated to Mallanna, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is revered by Maharashtrian devotees as Khandoba. The primary deity is accompanied by his consorts Golla Kethamma, Goddess Ganga, and Medalamma, Goddess Parvati.
• Located approximately 85 kilometers from Hyderabad, the temple attracts devotees from far and wide. Oggu Katha singers narrate the tales of Mallanna here, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Devotees offer prayers to Mallanna with the assistance of Oggu Pujaris, who create rangolis called Patnam as a form of worship in front of the deity within the temple premises and on its verandah.
• The temple sees a surge in visitors during Maha Shivaratri, especially during the Pedda Patnam celebration, and also during Agni Gundaalu, observed on the Sunday preceding Ugadi. The festive season, known as Jatara, commences from Sankranti and extends until Ugadi. Numerous devotees throng the temple on Sundays falling between Sankranti and Ugadi to seek blessings.
• Adjacent to the Mallanna temple is the Konda Pochamma temple, frequented by devotees visiting the Mallanna temple, thereby enhancing the spiritual significance of the area.

Komuravelli Mallanna Story

• There is no written script for the Lord Mallanna story. The story of Mallanna is sung in "Oggu Katha". 
• In this Oggu katha, Swamy Mallanna married goddess Medallamma by facing conditions which are put up by her brothers. 
• Goddess Medallamma is also called as Bramarambika, who is consort of Lord Shiva.

Inavolu (Iloni) Mallanna Jaatara

• Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in Inavolu village of Vardhannapet Mandal, Warangal District, Telangana State. It is an ancient Lord Shiva temple in South India, dating back to the 11th century and built by the Kakatiya rulers.
• The temple features 108 pillars and a magnificent Nruthaya Mandapam on the eastern side. Originally, historical Kakatiya Keerti Toranams (Giant Rocky Entrance Gates) were constructed here and later at Warangal fort.
• The presiding deity in the temple is a Shiva lingam known as 'Ardhapranavattam' (Shivalinga with half dome). With four entrance gates adorned with rich architectural carvings, the temple showcases the cultural sophistication of the Kakatiya dynasty.
• Built by Minister Ayyanna Deva of the Kakatiya Kingdom, the temple is known as Inavolu. The presiding deity, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, is regarded as one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva, often patronized by the Yadavas.

Main Jatara Celebrations at Inavolu

• The famous Inavolu Mallanna Jatara commences grandly on Bhogi, marking the beginning of the historic Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Jatara. This religious event starts on Bhogi, the day before Sankranti, and extends until Ugadi, the Telugu New Year. It features elaborate celebrations during Makara Sankranti, Maha Shiva Rathri, Ugadi, and Deepavali, as well as every Masa Shivarathri.

Prataparudra Singaraaya Jaatara

• The Singaraaya Jaatara is observed at the Lakshminarasimha Swami temple near Kurella and Baswapur villages in Koheda mandal of Karimnagar district. Each year, numerous devotees from Warangal, Medak, and Karimnagar districts participate in this Jaatara. 
• They engage in a sacred bath in the Moya Tummeda Vaagu, a nearby stream, and offer prayers to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. Pilgrims from distant places like Pune, Bhivandi, and Mumbai also make the journey to attend this renowned Jaatara.

Chittaramma Jathara

• The Chittaaramma Devi temple, dedicated to the goddess of the underprivileged, is situated in Gajula Ramaaram, Hyderabad. This temple hosts one of Telangana's most popular Jaataras. 
• The Chittaramma Jathara, celebrated at Gujalaramarama Temple in Hyderabad, occurs during Pushya Masam according to the traditional Telugu calendar. 
• Thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer special prayers to Goddess Chittaramma, the Gramadevata of Gajularamaram village in Hyderabad.