Holi

48r26wifvtAndhra Pradesh, a southern state of India celebrates a number of festivals. Some of them are their very own and others are celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the people Andhra. Among the Festivals of India, Holi or Festival of Color is a cause of jubilation in Andhra Pradesh.

Holi in Andhra Pradesh is celebrated on the the month of Phalguna that is March according the English calender. Holi is observed on the full moon day or Purnima. This Indian Festival has close association with the Hindu myths related to Lord Shiva.

It is believed that during Lord Shiva was meditating, cupid shot his arrows to inflict love in him. But Shiva was outraged by this disturbance, he burnt cupid to ashes by the power of his third eye. When Cupid's wife asked for mercy to Lord Shiva, he granted a wish that he can come back to his original form only on this particular day of the year.

Starting a week or so before Holi, a ritual of burning dry woods and sticks is performed. The people celebrating this ritual perform dance and music surrounding the holy fire. The merry making continues with offering of grains to the fire. Specially the Banjaras in Andhra Pradesh perform this rite very religiously. The following day is celebrated with colors.

Idd-Ul-Fitr

Idd-Ul-Fitr is a festival that is religiously celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. Idd-Ul-Fitr is mainly a festival of the Muslims. They celebrate it with gaiety and frolic. It is celebrated as a special occasion in Hyderabad and in the rest of Andhra Pradesh, in India.

Idd-Ul-Fitr in Andhra Pradesh and as well in the other Islamic countries is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, or the tenth lunar month according to the Islamic calender. Idd-Ul-Fitr is celebrated on the day the followers of the Islamic religion break a one month long fast. Generally, the fasting starts 4 am in the morning and ends when the sun sets. Nothing is eaten or drank when the fasting is observed. The fast is usually broken by eating fruits, specially dates and melons. The 27th day of the Ramzan or the holy fasting, is considered to be the most auspicious. This day in the Islamic calender is known as Lailut-ul-Qadar. The night is spent reading the holy Quran as it is believed that the Quran was introduced on this very day from heaven.

Muharram

Memorizing and paying homage to Hasan and Hussain on their death anniversaries, Muharram is followed in all parts of Andhra Pradesh. Indicating the dawn of New Year of Muslims, the festival primarily involves mourning sessions that are organized by both sunni and shia communities.

Being the grandsons of Prophet Mohammed, Hasan and Hussain hold an intensely pious place in the hearts of the Muslim people. As such, the entire Muslim sect becomes bereaved members of Hazrat Mohammed's extended family and sacrifices every possible source of mirth and exultation during the ten days of Muharram. While the sunnis are found in green attires, the shias wear black clothes to express their grief and agony on the occasion.

Since Hussain was assassinated in Kerbala by the battalion of king Yazid, the battle scenes are posted in all the shia mosques. During the entire period of Muharram, the women of shia community wear off all types of jewelleries and other items of make-up. Instead, they leave their hairs uncombed and wear sober colored cloths to mourn over the death of Hussain.

Christmas

Like the rest of the world, Andhra Pradesh is also known to celebrate the festival of Christmas with sufficient interest and heartiness. The appearance of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December has transformed the day as one of the most sacred and joyous days of the year.

Although a special occasion for the Christian communities, Christmas has today become a secular festival of India. Not only the people of Andhra Pradesh but also the entire population of the world celebrates this day to commemorate the birth of Christ on earth. Believed to protect the mankind from the evil elements, Jesus came to the world thousands of centuries back on this day.

The beginning of this extraordinary day starts from singing in and listening to church choirs that beautifully describes the sacred deeds of Jesus who also represents kindness and humane activities. The Christians make beautiful Christmas tress and keep stockings full of gifts in their kid’s room. In the wee hours the first thing the children look for is the stockings in the hope that the Santa Claus has put lucrative presents in these stockings.

The uniqueness of Christmas in Andhra Pradesh lies in the fact that the Syrian Christians of the place celebrate the occasion with well-decorated elephants, colorful umbrellas and melodious religious rhythms. The other Christian sects of the state spend the entire day much like the remaining part of the world.

Nagapanchami or Nagula Cahvithi

To worship the king of snakes – Cobra, Nagapanchami or Nagula Cahvithi is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. The rituals of the festival are usually performed by the womenfolk of the place who adorn themselves with vibrant attires and ornaments and come to mandapams where the idol of a Cobra with seven heads is set.

The common belief doing the rounds in the villages of Andhra Pradesh for several decades is that Cobra is the revered God of all kinds of serpents available on earth. The festival of Nagapanchami is followed in order to worship King Cobra and to praise him so that he can protect the mankind from all kind of harmful reptiles.

Apart from visiting the mandapams, the people of the sate celebrate this festival by placing the idols of King Cobra outside their houses. Made up of cow dung, the idols are a medium of invitation through which the devotees request the Cobra to come to their houses. During the ceremony, bowls of milk are often found in different spots of the grounds and open fields which are the possible dwelling places of snakes.

Varalaxmi Vratam

Celebrated mostly by the married women, Varalaxmi Vratam is one of the oldest festivals of Andhra Pradesh. The festival of “Varalaxmi Vratam” is devoted to Goddess Laxmi and is observed with strict religious rituals. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi is the epitome of Wealth, Earth, Love, Learning, Fame, Peace, and Pleasure. The married women keep fast and pray for the well being of their husbands on the day of “Varalaxmi Vratam”.

The festival of “Varalaxmi Vratam” is celebrated with much fanfare all over the state. On the day of “Varalaxmi Vratam”, married women wake up early to perform the “Puja” of the Goddess of Wealth.
A holy thread which is yellow in color is tied in the hands of the married women. The women clean and decorate the place of worship of the Goddess with a bronze or silver pot which is filled with rice, water, lime, betel leaf and nuts which is a sign of prosperity. The Goddess is offered with many kinds of home made sweets. The women sing devotional songs in praise of the Goddess and invoke eternal marital bliss.

The festival of “Varalaxmi Vratam” has an important religious significance which reflects the respect , love and devotion of a woman towards her husband. Married women wear new clothes and jeweleries while observing the religious rituals on the day of “Varalaxmi Vratam”.

According to a religious legend Goddess “Parvati” had asked Lord Shiva to prescribe all the married women with a ritual which would ensure peace and prosperity on earth. In response to the request, Lord Shiva narrated the story of “Charumati” who was rewarded by the Goddess Laxmi because of her devotion towards her husband. From that day till today, the entire womenfolk observe fast on the day of “Varalaxmi Vratam” to seek divine intervention.

Ugadi

Ugadi is the Telugu New Year day. It is specially associated with Pacchadi (chutney) in telugu. The chutney is prepared with tender flowers of neem, jaggery or sugar & new tamarind. The whole family has to eat the chutney.

The New year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around. The flame of the forest (trees with bright red flowers that blossom during holi) are in full bloom signifying an affluent season.It is believed that the creator of the Hindu pantheon Lord Brahma started creation on this day - Chaitra suddha padhyami or the Ugadi day. Also the great Indian Mathematician Bhaskaracharya's calculations proclaimed the Ugadi day from the sunrise on as the beginning of the new year, new month and new day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants (barren until now) acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. Spring is considered the first season of the year hence also heralding a new year and a new beginning. The vibrancy of life and verdent fields, meadows full of colorful blossoms signifies growth, prosperity and well-being.

Prepari
ng for the Occasion :

Preparations for the festival begin a week ahead. Houses are given a thorough wash. Shopping for new clothes and buying other items that go with the requirements of the festival are done with a lot of excitement.

Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervor in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as "Gudipadava". On Ugadi day, people wake up before the break of dawn and take a head bath after which they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves. The significance of tying mango leaves relates to a legend. It is said that Kartik (or Subramanya or Kumara Swamy) and Ganesha, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvathi were very fond of mangoes. As the legend goes Kartik exhorted people to tie green mango leaves to the doorway signifying a good crop and general well-being.

It is noteworthy that we use mango leaves and coconuts (as in a Kalasam, to initiate any pooja) only on auspicious occasions to propitiate gods. People also splash fresh cow dung water on the ground in front of their house and draw colorful floral designs. This is a common sight in every household. People perform the ritualistic worship to God invoking his blessings before they start off with the new year. They pray for their health, wealth and prosperity and success in business too. Ugadi is also the most auspicious time to start new ventures.

Season For Pickles :

With the raw mango available in abundance only during the two months(of April/May), people in Andhra Pradesh make good use of mangoes to last them until the next season. They pickle the mangoes with salt, powdered mustard and powdered dry red chilli and a lot of oil to float over the mangoes. This preparation is called "avakai" and lasts for a whole year.

Mangoes and summer season go hand in hand. Ugadi thus marks the beginning of the hot season which coincides with the school vacations. For the young ones, therefore, Ugadi is characterised by new clothes, sumptuous food and revelling. The air is filled with joy, enthusiasm and gaiety. Some people participate in social community gatherings and enjoy a tranquil evening with devotional songs (bhajans).

Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.


Legends of Mahashivratri

There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
Various traditions and customs related to Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.

To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.

On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water amidst the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya’ and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in Shiva temples where large number of devotees spend the night singing hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that devotee break their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.

Pongal - Andhra Pradesh

In South Sankranti becomes Pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest, which is observed for three days in January. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, are the three days of Pongal festivities on successive days. In certain parts cattle races still enliven the village festivities. Pongal is a colourful and traditional festival with many a ceremony devoted to various deities.

Pongal is an important festival in India, and we pray to the Sun God on this occasion. In North India, it is known as Sankaranthi.
The sun is very powerful and helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. So this festival is very important for farmers and so it is celebrated in a grand manner in villages. The house is cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival. During the four-day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses early in the morning.

Bhogi The celebrations start on the last day of Margazhi, which is known as "Bhogi". on this day we get up very early in the morning to take head bath. We place all the trash in front of the house and inflame it. We dispose old and useless things from our house and replace with new ones. Then we draw rangoli in front of the houses.


Maatu Pongal The next day is maattu Pongal - pongal for the cows. Cows are worshipped on this day. Milk suppliers decorate the cows. They paint the horns, apply colours and tie clothes on the cows. Then they take the cows to all the houses.

Kaanum Pongal People go out for places and enjoy this day. This is a day to spend time and entertainment outside. In Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore a kind of bull fight called the Jellikuttu is held. Bundles containing money are tied to the horns of the ferocious bulls, and unarmed men try to wrest the bundles from them.

With ingredients provided by freshly gathered harvest, community meals are held at many a place.

Sri Krishna Jayanti

Sri Krishna Jayanti marks the celebration of the birth of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) on Ashtami day. The festival Sri Krishna Jayanti is also known as Gokulashtami and Janmashtam. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. This occurs between August and September on the Christian calendar.

According to traditional sources, the Janmashtami is observed on the day when the ashtami tithi occurs at midnight. If the ashtami tithi AND the Rohini nakshatra occur on the same day, then the observance is considered to be doubly sacred; otherwise the observance is held on the day on which the ashtami prevails at midnight. The vrata mainly consists of fasting, spending the whole night in the worship of Krishna, reciting hymns of praise and Krishna's pastimes, reciting prayers from the Bhagavata, offering arghya to Krishna, and the parana or the ceremonial breaking of the fast. The next day is celebrated as Krishna Jayanti.

Celebrations are held on a grand scale in all Krishna temples, especially the ones in Vrindavan, Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Dvaraka (Gujarat), and other regionally famous temples.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the day most sacred to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.

Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are thrown into water.

Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed God. He is worshipped first in any prayers. His Names are repeated first before any auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun.

He is the Lord of power and wisdom. He is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and the elder brother of Skanda or Kartikeya. He is the energy of Lord Shiva and so He is called the son of Shankar and Umadevi. By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to earn for their sons the sterling virtues ofGanesha.

Dussehra

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is the most popular of all the Indian festivals and takes place over 10 days, beginning on the first day of the Hindu Month of Ashwin (September-October). It celebrates Durga's victory over the buffaloheaded demon Mahishasura, and in some places it was once customary to sacrifice a buffalo on the day. The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of which nine nights are spent in worship, 'Navaratri'. The tenth day is devoted to the worship of goddess Durga, who occupies a special position in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. She is 'Shakti', the cosmic energy which animates all beings.
According to a Puranic legend attached to this day, the mighty demon Mahisasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the megalomaniac demon, and thus prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful.

Equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, vanquished the evil one without much ado. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga.

The offering of goats is usual, and those who cannot or will not make any animal sacrifice adopt a substitute in the shape of a white pumpkin supported on four sticks resembling the legs of a goat.

On the same day, Lord Rama, an avatar of Sri Vishnu fought Ravana, a ten headed demon and restored dharma (righteousness) on earth. In many places it culminates with the burning of huge images of the demon King Ravana of Lanka (Ceylon) and his accomplice, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.

On Vijayadashmi, people worship weapons, tools and implements of their trade. They have sumptuous meals at noon and towards evening they don holiday attire and gather together to worship sami (presenpis specigara) or in its absence the Apta (Bauhima racemosa ) tree. On this day the leaves of Apta are supposed to symbolize gold and are exchanged while greeting one another. The Dussehra day is considered highly auspicious for the undertaking of any new work or business.

Tirupati Festival


Considered to be one of the richest temples in India as well as that of the world, the Tirupati temple hosts the Tirupati Festival, Tirupati. The Tirupati Festival, Tirupati is a major crowd-puller for not only the Indians who come over from different parts of the world but also for the global tourists. The elaborate rituals and the long duration of the Tirupati Festival in Tirupati makes it one of the most coveted festivals in Andhra Pradesh. If you want to catch a glimpse of the age-old traditions for which India is famous all over the world you have to make it a point to visit Tirupati especially during the Tirupati Festival which is held in the month of September or October.

The Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam which is better known as Tirupati Festival is a 9 day long festival which attracts devotees from different parts of the world. This festival is held in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and has a legend attached to it which says that Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe according to the Hindu mythology) performed this Tirupati Festival, Tirupati in the premises of this temple. The devotees throng to his temple during this festival as a result of which the hotels and other accommodation options have to be booked from before for your own convenience.

The ideal location of the temple of Tirupati nestled amidst the eastern Ghats which is also famous as the 'Land of Seven Hills' makes it an ideal destination for the travelers who wish to live in serenity. Every day for the 9 days during which the Tirupati Festival in Tirupati is held the deity is taken out in colorful processions being escorted by consorts. The local people as well as the tourists wait to catch a glimpse of the Lord Tirupati who is regarded as one who grants all that you wish for!

The festival still retains its charm and gives a heavenly pleasure and feeling to all those participating in the festival. The celebratory procession usually goes around the 4 streets surrounding the main temple for about 2 hours till midnight. Every day is a festive day where people have a gala time and take back home some cherished memories of the Tirupati Festival, Tirupati.

Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist


The Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist Heritage, Hyderabad is regarded as one of the main festivals of India. Many Buddhists from all over the world throng into the city to be a part of the Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist Heritage, Hyderabad. Te city come to life with some many people around and during this time the hotels in and around the city also becomes occupied so it is recommended to make prior reservations for the convenience of the tourists. If you want to get some idea about the Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist Heritage the do make it a point to visit the city during that time when the festival is held.

The Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist Heritage, Hyderabad gives you an opportunity to re-live the 200 year old Buddhist traditions and customs. The Lumbini Festival is organized annually to rekindle the old and rich heritage of Buddhism which is getting lots with the passage of time. This festival is held in Nagarjunasagara in Andhra Pradesh. The festival derives its name from the birth-place of Gautama Buddha who was born in the Lumbini village and is considered to be one of the most sacred sites for pilgrimage. The Lumbini Festival is managed and organized by the Department of Tourism which is part of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Lumbini Festival - The Festival of Buddhist Heritage in Hyderabad goes on for about 3 days in order to highlight the Buddhist culture and traditions in Andhra Pradesh.

Visakha Utsav, Visakhapatnam

The Visakha Utsav, Visakhapatnam is one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh and is organized by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The Visakha Utsav, Visakhapatnam is a 4 day long festivity is celebrated on grand scale which attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe. This Visakha Utsav in Visakhapatnam is the most exclusive event which brings to life the culture and traditions of not only India but also of Andhra Pradesh in the forms of crafts, dance, music, arts and many other cultural programs which are an integral part of the festival. Since the Visakha Utsav, Visakhapatnam is very important therefore skilled professional from all over the country come here to show their talent. The major crowd-puller for this event are the heritage tours of the port city, garment exhibition which highlight the traditional handicrafts of the place, cultural shows, flower show and sports event. The entire state of Andhra Pradesh gets drenched in the revelry for the 4 days when the Visakha Utsav is held. You are surely going to have a lovely time during the Visakha Utsav and also take back along with you some of the most cherished memories.

Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam

One of the most important festivals n Andhra Pradesh is the Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam, Bhadrachalam. This festival is celebrated every year for about 10 days to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, the Hindu God during the months of March or April. The unique feature of the Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam, Bhadrachalam is that it has being practiced for about 400 years continuously. This festival is held in Bhadrachalam of the Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. This Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam in Bhadrachalam attracts as many as 3 lakhs of devotees every year and it is called as a day of festivity for all the 'Ramabhakts' i.e. He devotees of Lord Rama.

Sri Rama Navami Festival at Bhadrachalam is the wedding ceremony between Lord Rama and Sita (his wife) in a grand scale. The commentators play the role of being the relatives of either Rama or Sita and they act out their parts very role. It is very amazing to note that every aspect of human feeling is covered in the role-play. The minute details of human emotions are taken care of by even showing the changing color of Sita's cheeks as she approaches Rama. The grand wedding celebration is surely going to make you gasp in awe as this was the grandeur with which the wedding was celebrated around 400 years ago.