TIRUPATI: Tirupati is gearing up for the Tataiahgunta Gangamma jatara, with the traditional ‘Chatimpu’ on May 5 marking the beginning of the week-long festival, which will conclude on May 13 with ‘Viswaroopa Darshanam’ and ‘Chempa Tholagimpu’.
The festival, held during peak summer, is dedicated to Goddess Gangamma, regarded as the guardian deity of Tirupati and the sister of Lord Venkateswara. It combines ritual, folklore and community participation, while also reflecting traditional methods of coping with extreme heat.
According to the schedule, ‘Chatimpu’ will be followed by traditional Veshams — Bairagi (May 6), Banda (May 7), Thoti (May 8), Dora (May 9) and Mathangi (May 10). ‘Sunnapu Kundalu’ will be observed on May 11, the main jatara on May 12, and ‘Viswaroopa Darshanam’ on May 13.
The festival is rooted in the legend of Gangamma, believed to have been born in Avilala village near Tirupati. Folklore says she confronted local chieftains accused of harassing women by taking different disguises each day, a tradition re-enacted during the jatara. Devotees, mostly men, don sarees, jewellery and make-up, symbolising the goddess and her strength.
The rituals also reflect practical adaptations to summer conditions. In Bairagi vesham, white clay is applied to reflect sunlight; Banda vesham uses vermilion; and Thoti vesham involves charcoal application. These materials act as natural insulators, offering protection from heat.
Community participation is a key feature, with households distributing buttermilk, fruit juices and ragi ambali to devotees. Pongal made with rice and green gram is offered to the goddess and shared among participants.
The festival concludes with ‘Chempa Tholagimpu’, during which a clay idol of the goddess is ceremonially broken by a member of the Kaikala community dressed in ‘Perantallu’ attire and distributed as sacred tokens believed to have healing properties.
Temple chairman N. Mahesh Yadav said arrangements have been made to manage the expected rush. VIP darshan on May 12 will be restricted to 6 am–8 am and 3 pm–5 pm, with priority given to common devotees.
“Queue lines will be regulated through the south-side gate to avoid congestion, especially during Pongal offerings. Special lighting, decorative arches, shaded pandals, drinking water and buttermilk distribution are being arranged for smooth conduct of the jatara,” he said.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
