Fairs and Festivals of Telangana

Fairs and Festivals of Telangana:-

In Telangana, one can clearly witness the composite, pluralistic and inclusive culture and traditions. Be it Bathukamma, Sankranthi, Ramzan, Moharram, or Christmas, the region is a beacon of secular traditions and festive glory. Bathukamma is a colourful and vibrant floral festival of Telangana, celebrated by Women, with flowers that grow exclusively in each region. The festival is the pride of Telangana’s cultural identity. Batukamma celebrates the inherent relationship between earth, water and man. Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra or Navaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana. The festival which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is celebrated with traditional fervor, devotion and gaiety across Telangana. Bonalu is a Hindu Festival where Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. It is an annual festival celebrated in Telangana state, especially in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The festival falls during Ashada Masam in July/August. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed with fervor by Muslim brethren in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. The biggest congregation is witnessed at the historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar. Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a world renowned tribal festival. The Jatara is celebrated annually at Medaram in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district.

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

Bathukamma is a colourful and vibrant festival of Telangana and celebrated by women, with flowers that grow exclusively in each region. This festival is a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity. Bathukamma comes during the latter half of monsoon, before the onset of winter. The monsoon rains usually brings plenty of water into the fresh water ponds of Telangana and it is also the time when wild flowers bloom in various vibrant colors all across the uncultivated and barren plains of the region. The most abundant of these are the ‘gunuka poolu’ and ‘tangedu poolu’. There are other flowers too like the banti, chemanti, nandi-vardhanam etc. Bathukamma is celebrated by the women folk of Telangana, heralding the beauty of nature in vibrant colors of multitudinous flowers. The festival begins a week before the grand ‘Saddula Batukamma’ (the grand finale of the Batukamma festival) which falls two days before Dussehra. The women folk normally get back to their parent’s home from their in-laws and breathe the fresh air of freedom to celebrate the colors of flowers. For one complete week, they make small ‘Batukammas’, play around them every evening and immerse them in a nearby water pond. On the last day, the men folk of the house go into the wild plains and gather the flowers like gunuka and tangedi. They bring home bagfuls of these flowers and the entire household sits down to make the big ‘Batukamma’. The flowers are carefully arranged row after row in a brass plate (called taambalam) in circular rows and in alternate colors. As evening approaches the women folk dress colourfully with the best of their attire and adorn lot of ornaments and place the Batukamma in their courtyard. The women of neighborhood also gather in a large circle around it. They start singing songs by circling it repeatedly, building a beautiful human circle of unity, love, sisterhood. After playing in circles around the “Batukammalu”, before the onset of dusk, the women folk carry them on their heads and move as a procession towards a bigger water body near the village or town. The procession is extremely colourful with the decorations of women and the “Batukammalu”. Songs of folklore are sung in chorus throughout the procession and the streets resonate with them. Finally, when they reach the water pond the “Batukammalu” are slowly immersed into water after some more playing and singing. Then they share the ‘maleeda’ (a dessert made with sugar or raw sugar and corn bread) sweets amongst the family members and neighborhood folks. They return to their homes with empty ‘taambaalam’ singing songs in praise of Batukamma. The songs of Batukamma echo in the streets until late night during the entire week. Batukamma celebrates the inherent relationship between earth, water and the human beings. During the entire preceding week, women make ‘boddemma’ (a deity of Gowri – mother Durga – made with earthly mud) along with Batukamma and immerse it in the pond. This helps reinforce the ponds and helps it retain more water. The flowers used in Batukamma have a great quality of purifying water and such flowers when immersed in abundance into the pond have the effect of cleansing the water and making the Environment much better. In times where the fresh water ponds are gradually diminishing and dwindling away it is indeed a pride of Telangana that its womenfolk (with mostly agrarian background) inherently know how to make them better by celebrating the beauty of nature. It is something we indeed have to feel proud of. The festival heralds the beauty of nature, collective spirit of Telangana people, the indomitable spirit of women folks and also the scientific approach of the agrarian people towards preserving the Resources of nature in a celebrative way. Hence, Bathukamma is the icon of cultural identity of Fairs and Festivals of Telangana.

Dussehra:-

Vijayadashami also known as Dussehra or Navaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana. Vijayadashami, a festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, is celebrated with traditional fervor, devotion and gaiety across Telangana. The name Vijayadashami is derived from the Sanskrit terms “Vijaya-dashami” which means victory on the day of Dashami. Dashami is tenth lunar day of a Hindu calendar month.

History:-

According to Puranas, demons, or Asuras, who were very powerful were always trying to defeat the Gods, and take control of Heaven. One Asura, called Mahishasura, in the form of a buffalo, was growing powerful and with this, he started creating havoc on the earth. The Asuras defeated the Gods under his Leadership while the whole world was suffering under Mahishasura’s evil acts. The Gods then combined all their energies into Shakti to destroy Mahishasura. A powerful band of lightning, which then emerged from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva formed into a young and beautiful female with ten hands, which had all the special weapons given to her by Gods. This Shakti then took the form of goddess Durga and after riding on a lion, Durga fought bitterly Mahishasura for nine days and nights. Finally, during the tenth day of Ashvini shukla paksha, the demon Mahishasura was eventually defeated and killed by Durga.

Festivities:-

The Durga temple in Warangal near Bhadrakali Lake, Basara Temple, Alampur Jogulamba Temple, one of the Astadasa Shaktipeethas, out of the 18 prominent Temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti, reverberate with manthras and are thronged by thousands of people. Sharan Navaratri is a popular festival at Alampur Jogulamba Temple, where as part of the concluding event, a Theppotsavam (boat festival) is organized, an eye-catching event held on Vijaya Dasami at the confluence of Krishna – Tungabhadra, also called Sangamam. Young women play Bathukamma around a clay pot decorated with flowers and they dance around it. This festival is celebrated with fervor across all temples of Goddess Durga in the state of Telangana. During Navaratri i.e. nine nights, Goddess Durga is adorned in her different forms and avatars like Mahishasura Mardhini, Bala Tripura Sundari, Raja Rajeshwari, Annapoorna, Kali, Kanaka Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Gayatri Devi. This is the time when most of the people living in Hyderabad and urban regions of the state head for their ancestral homes in rural areas and hinterlands. The villages in Telangana come alive with vibrant celebratory hues. Dussehra is also the occasion in Telangana when the newlyweds are invited by the bride’s family and are offered gifts and accorded special care. Students usually keep their books and workers clean their tools for the purpose of puja on the ninth day of Navaratri, called Ayudha Puja which are then taken back, after puja on the tenth day i.e. Vijayadashami. Women and children organize ‘bommala koluvu’, which is a special arrangement of dolls and toys, aesthetically accompanied by flowers as well as lamps. Saraswathi Puja is also performed by many Telangana families for initiating their children into Education since Vijayadashami is considered highly auspicious for this purpose. In Hyderabad city, devotees also immerse large idols of the goddess in the famous Hussain Sagar Lake, after worshipping her with devotion during the nine-day long festival.

Bonalu:-

Bonalu is a Hindu Festival where Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. It is an annual festival celebrated in the twin Cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana state, India. Bonalu is celebrated usually during Ashada Masam that falls in July/August. Special poojas are performed for goddess Yellamma during the first and last day of the festival. The festival is considered as a form of thanksgiving to the Goddess after the fulfillment of vows. Bonam literally means Meal in Telugu, which is an offering to the Mother Goddess. Women folk in household prepare rice that is cooked along with Milk, Jaggery in a New Earthen or Brass Pot, which is adorned with Neem Leaves, Turmeric and Vermilion. Women carry these pots on their heads and make an offering of Bonam, including Bangles and Saree to the Mother Goddess at Temples. Bonalu involves worship of Kali in her various forms such Mysamma, Pochamma, Yellamma, Dokkalamma, Pedamma, Poleramma, Ankalamma, Maremma, Nookalamma etc.

Bonalu festival -Origin:-

The festival history reportedly started in 1813 in the region of Hyderabad & Secunderabad when plague disease had broken out in Twin Cities that had claimed thousands of lives. A military battalion from Hyderabad was then deployed to Ujjain and concerned about the plague menace in Hyderabad the military battalion offered prayers to Mother Goddess at Mahankaali Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, that if people get relived from the epidemic they would be installing the idol of Mahankaali back in Secunderabad. It is believed by devotees that Mahankaali halted the spread of the disease while the Military Battalion came back here & installed an idol by offering Bonalu to Mother Mahankaali.

The Ritual:-

Bonalu is celebrated across various parts of the city. During the first Sunday of Aashaadam, celebrations begin at Golconda Fort followed by Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad and Balkampet Yellamma temple in Balkampet on second Sunday, and the third Sunday, at the Pochamma and Katta maisamma temple near Chilkalguda and the Matheswari temple of Lal Darwaza in Old City of Hyderabad. Other temples such as Akkanna Madanna temple in Haribowli, Muthyalamma temple in Shah Ali Banda are the popular venues where Bonalu is celebrated. Lakhs of devotees throng the temples to pay obeisance to Mahankaali. Women dress up in the traditional Sari along with jewels and other accessories during the occasion. Teenage Girls adorn Half-Sarees along with jewels to reflect the traditional grace of the attire. Some women face a spell of trace where they dance with the balancing pots to the rhythmic beats made by drums in honor of the Goddess. The festival begins at Golconda, Women who carry Bonalu are believed to possessing the spirit of Mother Goddess, and when they approach temple, people sprinkle water on their feet in order to pacify the spirit, which is believed to be aggressive. Devotees offer Thottelu. These are small, colorful paper structures, which are supported by sticks and offered as a token of respect.

Pothuraju:-

Pothuraju, considered the brother of Mother Goddess, is represented by a bare-bodied and well-built man, who wears a small tightly draped red dhoti and bells near ankles, and applies turmeric on his body, including vermilion on his forehead. Pothuraju dances to the resounding drums and dances close to Palaharam Bandi, the procession.

The Feast:-

Bonalu is a festival where there is a divine offering to Mother Goddess and families also share these offerings with other family members and guests.

Rangam:-

Rangam, or the Performing the Oracle, is held after the next morning of the actual festival. A Woman invokes goddess Mahankaali onto herself and performs this custom. She foretells the next year ahead when devotees ask for information about future.

Ghatam:-

Ghatam implies a copper pot, which is decorated in the form of mother goddess and carried by a priest, adorning a traditional dhoti and his body completely smeared in turmeric. The Ghatam is taken as a procession from first day of the festival to the last day, when it is immersed in water. The Ghatam accompanies drums. Usually Ghatam of Akkanna Madanna Temple in Haribowli actually leads the procession, placed on an elephant inturn accompanied by mounted horses and models, which depict Akkanna and Madanna. It ends as a glittering procession in the evening after immersion of Ghatams at Nayapul. Ghatams from other popular temples of Mahakali in twin cities congregate here.

Sammakka Saarakka Jaathara:-

The Sammakka Saralamma shrine area in Warangal is reported to have been built during the 12th century. The temple has no mythological background relating to the construction of the temple; instead, it is believed to be built in the memory of two tribal women. The main deity(s) of the Sammakka Saralamma temple are two brave women who stood up for their community and its betterment. They became Martyrs in the battle. According to the legend, once a troop from the Koya tribal community was returning from a trip, when they saw a little girl playing with the tigress. The head of the troop saw the girl and inspired by her bravery, he adopted her and named her as Samakka. Later she married a headman of a neighboring tribal group and had a daughter, Sarakka. Both the mother and daughter protested the Kakatiya kings who forced the tribes to pay taxes. Both the women fought bravely and reportedly lost their lives. The Koya community constructed this temple as a token of gratitude. Annually an event called Sammakka Saralamma jatara is held which is considered as one of the largest tribal festivals of the world. The deities are brought from the forest to a spot for a period of 10-12 days when more than one crore devotees offer prayers and gift ‘bangaram’, which is pure jaggery to the deities. The entire place reverberates with divine chants and elaborate arrangements are made for this Jathara with thousands of buses arriving with pilgrims.

Historical significance of Dandakaranya:-

This is also believed to be the place where Lord Sri Rama, his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana made it as their abode for a brief period as part of their 14-year exile in the forest. People believe that Goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka would fulfill their desires with their miraculous powers. Childless Couples visit the abode of goddesses with prayers to bless them with children whereas young girls pray for getting married. Pilgrims bathe in the nearby Jampanna stream to seek purification and absolve from sins.

Maghasudha pournami, the special occasion:-

The actual festival begins during the month of Magha, on Sudha Pournami i.e. full moon day in the evening when Sarakka is traditionally brought from Kanneboyinapalle village in the forest, and then placed on an earthen platform which is raised under a tree. By the sunset of next day, the main goddess Sammakka is then brought from Chilukalagutta. There are two platforms, one for goddess Sammakka and other is for goddess Sarakka. They are in the form of bamboo sticks, which is smeared with vermilion and turmeric. Since times immemorial, there is a huge tree, which stands on Sammakka gadde. When the priests get the ochre box and other important relics from a hidden forest location, there is a great tumult accompanied frenzied beating of drums, trumpet blowing and yells. It is said believed that during the festival a huge tiger moves around peacefully. The coconuts and jiggery offering becomes piled at the foot of the old trees.

Peerla Panduga:-

Muharram, also called Peerla Panduga is an important festival in the state of Telangana. Muharram is a festival marked by processions. During this occasion, a relic called Alam is taken out as a procession. Ashurkhana, representing a group of Sufi Shrines, is the area where the procession takes place, Many Muslims and even Hindus take part in this festival by chanting Ya Hussain as they participate eagerly in this procession. In Dabeerpura area of Hyderabad, Hindus are considered alambardaar, which means standard-bearers at the famous shrine of Bibi Ka Alawa. Hindus throng in thousands to worship the holy relic of Alam since it is believed that a darshan of this Alam gives them solace and peace of mind. On this special day of Muharram, Hindus visit Sufi shrines. Peerla Panduga is actually an occasion of sorrow when the Hindu devotees respect the sentiments of their Islamic brothers and and participate in a solemn procession. The deities are brought from the forest to a spot for a period of 10-12 days when more than one crore devotees offer prayers and gift ‘bangaram’, which is pure jaggery to the deities. The entire place reverberates with divine chants and elaborate arrangements are made for this Jathara with thousands of buses arriving with pilgrims. The Badeshahi Ashurkhana in Hyderabad has a rich 400-year old history and is also home to the maximum crowds during this festival. Thousands of Hindus visit this shrine, especially during the 9th and 10th day of the festival. Several foreign tourists also witness the proceedings of these festivities. The final day involves Alam being carried on top of an elephant as a procession from Bibi ka Alawa towards Masjid-e-Ilahi. The festival is also celebrated in many rural regions of Telangana close to Sufi shrines or Durgahs.

Ramzan:-

Ramzan is the ninth month as per the Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramadan/Ramzan begins after the month of Shaban, when the new moon is sighted. In case new moon is not seen after 30 days of Shaban, then Ramadan begins. The month of Ramzan lasts for 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the moon. If the moon is sighted during the night of 29th fast, then the month of Shawwal begins next day and Ramadan is over. The first of Shawwal is the Eid called Eid-ul-fitr for distinguishing this from Eid-ul-azha (Bakri Eid). Ramzan is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed and involves fasting done by all able-bodied men including women and children who have reached puberty. During Ramzan, the people who fast donot eat or drink right from dawn to after sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a holiday in Telangana, which celebrates the end of Ramadan and marks the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is observed with fervor by Muslim brethren in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. Sirens blare in unison from hundreds of mosques across the city for ‘sahr’ which is also the pre-dawn meals. The Muslim-majority in old city and other neighborhoods of Hyderabad become abuzz with activity while thousands throng the mosques for the purpose of ‘Namaz-e-Taraveeh’ or the special prayers offered daily during when priests recite Holy Quran. The biggest congregation is witnessed at historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar. Special arrangements are made at many mosques and function halls for women folk to offer their prayers. Shopping for groceries and other items during this month continues until late night. The historic city of Hyderabad with a rich Muslim heritage comes vibrantly alive during this holy month. Most of the hotels sell lip-smacking Haleem, a dish cherished by people after ‘Iftar’ or breaking the day’s fast. Tonnes of dates and fruits are sold every day to break the fast. Ramzan is a time of immense festivities, where the popular Hindu-Muslim unity comes alive in Telangana, which is a cradle of Secularism-2/”>Secularism.

Kurumurthy Swamy Jathara – Mahabubnagar:-

Sri Kurumurthy Srinivas Swamy Temple, considered as one of the oldest temples in Telangana is a major attraction to the devotees of Lord Vishnu, else known as Lord Venkateshwara. The temple is known for its spiritual history and the traditions being followed here. The existence of the temple on the hills is associated with the story of Goddess Sri Lakshmi Devi asking Lord Srinivasa to make His presence felt on the hills so the devotees are able to offer the prayers to the Almighty. So to please the Goddess, Lord manifested himself on the Kurupathi Hills. The name Kurupathi refers to three words in Telugu dialect, ‘Kuru’ means ‘to do’, ‘Matim’ referring to ‘mind’ and ‘pati’ meaning ‘husband’. Hence this refers to the place where the Lord resides. The image of the Lord had been in the caves for almost 630 years till Sri Mukkara Chandra Reddy constructed a temple in the hills and placed the image there. The temple was further renovated by Sri Ramabhupal and KothaKapulu. The temple has been built in a magnificent architectural style. The entrance has a huge Gopuram. There are 200 steps leading to the main temple, though the pilgrims can also go by their vehicles. A few interesting facts about the Self Manifested Kurumurthy temple which is also known as the second Tirupati: One had to crawl down to reach the main temple till some time back as it was in the form of a cave. What we see today is a reconstructed form.

Nagoba Jaatara:-

Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in Keslapur village, Inderavelly Mandal Adilabad district, Telangana, India. It is the second biggest tribal carnival and celebrated by Mesaram clan of Gond tribes for 10 days. Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesram clan offer prayers at the festival. Thousands of Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Karnataka, jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesaram clan offer prayers at the festival Nagoba. It’s Starts in pushya masam. The 10-day festival has begun after tribal priests performed abhishekam to Nagoba idol at the temple in Keslapur with water fetched by them from river Godavari in Jannaram mandal, 70 km away from the village.

Nagoba Jatara Celebrations:

Rituals performed at Keslapur Nagoba Jatara begin in the morning, the Mesram elders will place the sacred ‘jhari’, a 1,400-year-old water container before performing it’s puja.
The group of Gond and Pradhan elders who had fetched holy water with pots from Hastina Madugu of river Godavari in Jannaram Mandal was given a traditional welcome under the old banyan tree.
Before the start of the pujas, the Gonds continue to ‘purify’ the temple with Ganga Jal or water from the Godavari drawn at a spot called ‘Hastina Madugu’ where Nagoba is believed to have quenched his thirst after partaking the ‘naivedyam’.
The event also includes a ceremony called ‘bheting’, which incorporates new brides into the clan. The Raj Gond Adivasis of Adilabad follow an elaborate ritual called Bheting, one of their many regalistic ceremonies, through which new daughters in law are formally introduced to the clan. All those who are married into the clan during the last year need to ‘meet’ clan deities through Bheting so that they become eligible to enter the deity’s temple.
The women clad in white saris are the Bheti Koriad or daughters in law to be introduced to goddess Jangubai and belong to the eight clans which have Jangubai as the clan deity.
The naivedyam carried in the bamboo baskets is made of freshly harvested food grains. The bamboo denotes the connection of the Gonds with the jungles while the naivedyam offering is a matter of thanksgiving for the crop harvested.
Adivasi celebrates with music and more than 15 types of dances.
The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers from the Gond tribe is a major special attraction of the event.
Gonds pilgrims and priests will play traditional Folk Music at the entrance of the Jangubai cave temple located in the hilly forest of Kota-Parandoli gram panchayat in Kerameri Revenue Mandal.
Later Gond women carry on with their daily grind, including grinding grain, with a smile on their face.
The women in the given group coming on pilgrimage to Jangubai caves prepare food at the spot, a small shed having been earmarked for the purpose.
In the night, the Gonds performed the Mahapuja of Nagoba, also known as Persa Pen or great god, which marks the actual beginning of the annual tribal fair.

Komuravelli Mallanna Jaathara:-

Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple popularly known as Komuravelli Mallanna Temple is a Hindu temple located on a hill in Komuravelli village of Siddipet district in Telangana state. It is located near Siddipet on SH–1 Rajiv Rahadari. The primary deity is Mallanna or Mallikarjuna Swamy who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity is also called as Khandoba by the Maharashtrian people. The temple is located about 85 kilometers from Hyderabad. Mallanna along with his consorts Golla Kethamma, Goddess Ganga and Medalamma, Goddess Parvati are at the main temple. The Oggu Katha singers sing the tale of Mallanna here. Devotees offer prayers to Mallanna with the help of Oggu Pujaris who draw a rangoli called as Patnam ( A form of offering prayers to Lord ) in front of Lord Mallanna inside temple and also in temple’s verandah. Large number of devotees visit the Mallanna temple during Maha Shivaratri when the Pedda Patnam is celebrated and also during the Agni Gundaalu which is celebrated on the sunday falling before the Ugadi. The festive season, called as Jatara begins from Sankranti and lasts till Ugadi. Large number of devotees offer prayers to the deity on all sundays which falls in between Sankranti and Ugadi. Another temple, Konda Pochamma temple is nearby which is visited by the devotees who visit Mallanna temple.

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 situated at Inavolu village of Vardhannapet Mandal Warangal District and Telangana State is one of the ancient Lord Shiva temples in South India. The temple dates back to 11th century and was built by Kakatiya rulers. It was built with 108 pillars and has a giant magnificent Nruthaya Mandapam on eastern side. Historical Kakatiya Keerti Toranams (Giant Rocky Entrance Gates) were initially constructed here and subsequently at Warangal fort. The presiding deity Shiva lingam of the temple referred to as ‘Ardhapranavattam’ (Shivalinga with half doom). The temple has four entrance gates with rich architectural carvings that epitomizing the cultural sophistication of Kakatiya dynasty. The temple was built by a minister Ayyanna Deva of Kakatiya Kingdom – hence the name Inavolu. The presiding deity Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy is considered as one of the incarnations of Lord Siva. Mostly the Yadavas patronise the temples built for the deity.

Main Jatara Celbrations at Inavolu:

The famous Inavolu Mallanna Jatara has begun on a grand note here on Bhogi. The religious event of historic Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Jatara begins on Bhogi, the preceding day of Sankranti festival and continues till Ugadi the Telugu New Year. Grand Celebrations of Makara Sankranti – Maha Shiva Rathri – Ugadi – Deepavali – Every Masa Shivarathri.

Prataparudra Singaraaya Jaatara:-

The Singaraaya Jaatara is celebrated at the Lakshminarasimha Swami temple located near Kurella, Baswapur villages in Koheda mandal of Karimnagar district. Thousands of devotees from Warangal, Medak and Karimnagar district visit this Jaatara every year. They take a holy dip in the Moya Tummeda Vaagu, a small stream nearby and offer prayers to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. People come from as far as Pune, Bhivandi and Mumbai to visit this famous Jaatara.

Chittaramma Jathara:-

The goddess of the poor and downtrodden, Chittaaramma Devi temple is located in Gajula Ramaaram in Hyderabad. This is one of the most popular Jaatara’s of Telangana region. Chittaramma Jathara is a popular temple festival held at Gujalaramarama Temple, Hyderabad. This Jathara is celebrated in Pushya Masam as per traditional Telugu calendar. Thousands of devotees throng the temple to offer special pujas to Goddess Chittaramma, the Gramadevata of Gajularamaram village in Hyderabad.,

Telangana is a state in India that was formed in 2014. It is located in the south-central part of the country and has a Population of over 35 million people. The state is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions, and its people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year.

Some of the most popular festivals in Telangana include:

Bonalu: This festival is celebrated in the months of July and August to honor the goddesses Yellamma and Pochamma. It is a time for people to pray for good Health and prosperity.
Bathukamma: This festival is celebrated in the month of September to mark the onset of the harvest season. It is a time for women to dress up in colorful clothes and dance in the streets.
Dasara: This festival is celebrated in the month of October to commemorate the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is a time for people to pray for good luck and prosperity.
Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is celebrated in the month of August to honor the elephant-headed god Ganesha. It is a time for people to pray for good luck and prosperity.
Hanuman Jayanti: This festival is celebrated in the month of April to honor the monkey god Hanuman. It is a time for people to pray for strength and courage.
Holi: This festival is celebrated in the month of March to mark the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to play with colors and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Maha Shivratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February to honor the god Shiva. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated in the month of January to mark the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for people to fly kites and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Ramzan: This festival is celebrated in the month of Ramadan to commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. It is a time for people to fast from dawn to dusk and pray for forgiveness.
Sankranti: This festival is celebrated in the month of January to mark the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for people to fly kites and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Shivaratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February to honor the god Shiva. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Ugadi: This festival is celebrated in the month of March to mark the beginning of the new year. It is a time for people to eat special food and pray for good luck in the coming year.
Vasantha Panchami: This festival is celebrated in the month of February to honor the goddess Saraswati. It is a time for people to pray for knowledge and wisdom.
Vinayaka Chaturthi: This festival is celebrated in the month of August to honor the elephant-headed god Ganesha. It is a time for people to pray for good luck and prosperity.
Christmas: This festival is celebrated in the month of December to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for people to celebrate with family and friends and give gifts.
Eid-ul-Fitr: This festival is celebrated in the month of Ramadan to mark the end of the fasting period. It is a time for people to celebrate with family and friends and eat special food.
Eid-ul-Adha: This festival is celebrated in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah to commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham. It is a time for people to sacrifice a goat or sheep and share the meat with family and friends.

These are just a few of the many festivals that are celebrated in Telangana. Each festival has its own unique traditions and customs, and they all play an important role in the lives of the people of Telangana.

Here are some frequently asked questions about fairs and festivals in Telangana:

What are some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Telangana?

Some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Telangana include the Bathukamma festival, the Bonalu festival, and the Dasara festival.

What are the origins of these fairs and festivals?

The Bathukamma festival is a Hindu festival that celebrates the harvest season. The Bonalu festival is a Hindu festival that honors the goddess Yellamma. The Dasara festival is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil.

What are some of the traditions and customs associated with these fairs and festivals?

The Bathukamma festival is celebrated by women who build colorful flower structures called Bathukammas. The Bonalu festival is celebrated by people who offer prayers and sacrifices to the goddess Yellamma. The Dasara festival is celebrated by people who perform rituals and dances.

What are some of the foods that are typically eaten during these fairs and festivals?

Some of the foods that are typically eaten during these fairs and festivals include Bathukamma, Bonalu, and Dasara.

What are some of the souvenirs that are typically sold during these fairs and festivals?

Some of the souvenirs that are typically sold during these fairs and festivals include Bathukamma dolls, Bonalu pots, and Dasara masks.

What are some of the challenges that these fairs and festivals face?

Some of the challenges that these fairs and festivals face include overcrowding, traffic congestion, and pollution.

What are some of the ways in which these fairs and festivals are being preserved?

Some of the ways in which these fairs and festivals are being preserved include government support, community involvement, and education.

Which of the following is not a fair or festival celebrated in Telangana?
(A) Bathukamma
(B) Bonalu
(C) Dasara
(D) Pongal
Bathukamma is a festival celebrated in Telangana in the month of _.
(A) August
(B) September
(C) October
(D) November
Bonalu is a festival celebrated in Telangana in the month of _.
(A) June
(B) July
(C) August
(D) September
Dasara is a festival celebrated in Telangana in the month of _.
(A) October
(B) November
(C) December
(D) January
Pongal is a festival celebrated in Telangana in the month of _.
(A) January
(B) February
(C) March
(D) April
The main deity worshipped during Bathukamma is _.
(A) Goddess Durga
(B) Goddess Lakshmi
(C) Goddess Saraswati
(D) Goddess Parvati
The main deity worshipped during Bonalu is _.
(A) Goddess Durga
(B) Goddess Lakshmi
(C) Goddess Saraswati
(D) Goddess Parvati
The main deity worshipped during Dasara is _.
(A) Goddess Durga
(B) Goddess Lakshmi
(C) Goddess Saraswati
(D) Goddess Parvati
The main deity worshipped during Pongal is _.
(A) Sun God
(B) Moon God
(C) Earth God
(D) Sky God
Which of the following is not a traditional food item associated with Bathukamma?
(A) Ladoo
(B) Payasam
(C) Idli
(D) Vada
Which of the following is not a traditional food item associated with Bonalu?
(A) Ladoo
(B) Payasam
(C) Idli
(D) Vada
Which of the following is not a traditional food item associated with Dasara?
(A) Ladoo
(B) Payasam
(C) Idli
(D) Vada
Which of the following is not a traditional food item associated with Pongal?
(A) Ladoo
(B) Payasam
(C) Idli
(D) Vada
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with Bathukamma?
(A) Bhangra
(B) Garba
(C) Kolattam
(D) Jhumar
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with Bonalu?
(A) Bhangra
(B) Garba
(C) Kolattam
(D) Jhumar
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with Dasara?
(A) Bhangra
(B) Garba
(C) Kolattam
(D) Jhumar
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with Pongal?
(A) Bhangra
(B) Garba
(C) Kolattam
(D) Jhumar
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument associated with Bathukamma?
(A) Dhol
(B) Dholak
(C) Mridangam
(D) Sitar
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument associated with Bonalu?
(A) Dhol
(B) Dholak
(C) Mridangam
(D) Sitar
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument associated with Dasara?
(A) Dhol
(B) Dholak
(C) Mridangam
(D) Sitar
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument associated with Pongal?
(A) Dhol
(B) Dholak
(C) Mridangam
(D) Sitar
Which of the following is not a traditional dress associated with Bathukamma?
(A) Saree
(B) Lehenga
(C) Kurti
(D) Dhoti
Which of the following is not a traditional dress associated with Bonalu?
(A) Saree
(B) Lehenga
(C) Kurti
(D) Dhoti
Which of the following is not a traditional dress associated with Dasara?
(A) Saree
(B) Lehenga
(C) Kurt