Tirupati Gangamma Jatara is an annual folk festival celebrated in Tirupati, India. It is a week-long event that falls between the first and second weeks of May every year. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Gangamma, the Gramadevata (goddess protecting the region) of Tirupati. Goddess Gangamma is revered as the sister of God Venkateshwara Balaji, the presiding deity of the Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati Gangamma Jatara 2025 date is May 6 to May 13. The main festival will be held on May 13, 2025.
Historical Significance
The festival is celebrated grandly at the Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple, located on the east side of Tirupati city. According to legend, when Tirupati and its surrounding areas were ruled by Palegondulu, women faced enormous harassment. During this time, Goddess Gangamma was born in the village of Avilala and grew into a beautiful woman. When the Palegondulu attempted to harm her, she used her grace and power to kill him. To lure him out of hiding, Gangamma planned the Ganga Jathara. During this festival, people of Tirupati dress in vichitra vesham (strange attire) and curse Gangamma for seven days. On the seventh day, Palegondulu emerges from hiding and is killed by Goddess Gangamma for the well-being of all people (Lokakalyanam).
Festival Proceedings
Day 0: Chatimpu
The festival officially begins with Chatimpu (announcement) at midnight on the second Tuesday of May. This announcement is made by men playing musical instruments called dappus, and residents are advised not to leave the town until the festival concludes.
Day 1: Bhairagi Vesham
On Wednesday, the day after Chatimpu, people smear their bodies with white paste (Namam Kommu) and wear garlands made of Rella kaya (a type of fruit). They carry neem leaves and tie their waists with neem leaves. Devotees then proceed to the temple, where they leave the neem leaves and garlands after having darshan (sight) of the Goddess.
Day 2: Banda Vesham
On this day, devotees smear their bodies with kumkum (red) color paste and tie ribbons around their heads.
Day 3: Thoti Vesham
Devotees smear their bodies with charcoal and wear garlands made of neem leaves.
Day 4: Dora Vesham
Devotees smear their bodies with sandal paste (chandanam) and wear garlands made of neem leaves and lemons.
Day 5: Mathangi Vesham
Gangamma, having killed Palegadu in Dora Vesham, consoles the chieftain's wife in Mathangi Vesham.
Day 6: Sunnapu Kundalu
On the sixth day, devotees anoint their bodies with white paste and apply charcoal dots. They carry a pot (Veyyi kalla Dutta) on their heads and circumambulate the temple three times before leaving the pot there and seeking darshan of the Goddess.
Day 7: Gangamma Jatara
The final day is celebrated as Ganga Jatara. All Gangamma temples in Tirupati are thronged by lakhs of devotees. People offer "pongallu" (a traditional dish) and sarees to Gangamma. Some devotees have darshan of Gangamma while wearing "Sapparalu" (a special gopuram-like object made of bamboo) and playing "Dappu Vaidyam" (a musical instrument). "Ragi Ambali," a drink made of ragi, curd, and rice, is served to devotees.
Viswaroopam and Chempa Tholagimpu
After midnight, a clay idol of Gangamma (Viswaroopam) is installed in front of the temple. A person dressed as "Perantallu" removes the cheek (chempa) of the Viswaroopam, an event known as "Chempa Tholagimpu." The clay from the idol is then distributed to devotees, who believe it has healing powers. This event marks the end of the seven-day Jatara.
Rituals and Traditions
Pongal Preparation
Women prepare pongal (a dish made of rice, mung beans, and sugar) in the temple and offer it to the goddess.
Walking on Knees
Women also practice walking on their knees from their homes to the temple. They roll a coconut on the road and walk on their knees up to the point, pick up the coconut, and roll it again, demonstrating their strong faith in the goddess.
Offerings and Sacrifices
Despite a ban on animal sacrifices, goats and fowls are often sacrificed at a corner of the temple. The priests also perform initiatory rituals and tie Vadibalu' to the Viswaroopa Sthambam' in front of the temple, setting the stage for the festivities.
Conclusion
Tirupati Gangamma Jatara is a deeply rooted cultural and religious festival that showcases the devotion and traditions of the people of Tirupati. Celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, it is a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of the region.