International Interdisciplinary Vidyardhi Vignan Journal Volume 1, Issue No.1 January December 2017 Impact Factor 10. In Search of our Roots - A Study of Some Important Aspects of Four Festivals of Andhra Pradesh *G. Anusha and M. Neelima **Dr. Mrs. R. Madhavi Abstract Festivals are an important aspect of the culture of any country. They enrich the people through their rituals and varied practices. India is especially reputed to be rich and vibrant because of the numerous festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. As students of humanities, we felt the urge to know more about the diverse aspects of the festivities. It is befitting, in today s context to know our roots so we wished to discover and unravel some truths about some famous festivals of Andhra Pradesh. We selected four festivals on the basis of their differences. They are Sankranthi which is a harvest festival and Karthika Pournami is an auspicious full moon day festival celebrated by women where lighting of lamp is an important ritual. Atla Thadde is an indigenous festival of A.P celebrated by unmarried women and Ugadi is the Telugu s New Year day festival falling in April. We have made a study of the four festivals as they seem to represent the diversity of Andhra culture. Key Words: Culture, Rituals, Vibrant, Humanities, Diverse, Festivities, Unravel, Harvest, Auspicious. ******* Introduction Statement of topic In this project work we come to know about the life style of people who live in Andhra Pradesh. Every festival has an inner significance which is projected by a celebration of rituals and practices that people follow during celebrating time. Every festival has its own significance according to the religion it belongs to. For example, when we study festivals and celebrations we find that people believe in nature and even animals. People worship the Sun, Fire, Cows, Snakes, Moon, and Water etc. They pray to these elements, hence these practices are interesting and rouse curiosity. Every individual follows a religion which in turn is connected to traditional practices. This project work deals with some important traditional festivals of Andhra Pradesh and is an attempt to understand its history and tradition. We made a study of four festivals of Andhra Pradesh and tried to study their: 1. History of the festivals 2. The rites and rituals associated with them and 3. Their significance in tracing our roots. Significance Festivals are very important occasions in India. They are occasions of celebration and fun. Every one of us should know about our culture. We should know what kind of festivals we 67
are celebrating throughout the year. By celebrating festivals we obtain joy and happiness. During festivals we practice a number of customs and rituals. It is very important to know about our culture and rituals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh which are meaningful. Festivals play a considerable role in developing our ancestral rituals and celebrations unique to every state. We also learn about our roots or our past tradition and customs. We can learn how festivals originated and why they are celebrated in a particular manner. Hence this project work has great significance in understanding why people still follow and practice certain rituals and rites related to celebrations and festivities. Need for the Study The study of traditional festivals is a path to understanding our culture. It is always interesting to see how culture is reflected through these festivals. The festivals are celebrated throughout the year. We obtain joy and happiness due to them. We learn how to be disciplined through fasting and observation of rituals. They are celebrated with devotion. We learn more things about our culture when we celebrate our festivals. Different festivals are celebrated by various religious groups like Hindus, Muslims and Christians etc. Each festival is unique. During festivals all the relatives come together to celebrate these festivals. All the relatives come together to celebrate these festivals. Once we learn about the rituals and tradition we come to know that they are the basis for any celebration and we learn about our roots and our ancestry. Hence it is interesting and vital that we learn about our background and roots. Such a study makes our lives richer and meaningful. These festivals are not empty practices but have significance and meaning to the groups of people who celebrate them. Aim and Objectives Our aim is to learn about four festivals of Andhra Pradesh which are celebrated by the people of the state. We wish to find out what wisdom these religious practices give to people. They tells us more about our Gods and Goddesses worshipped. When we learn about our culture we could teach this to the future generations also. Objectives of this research To study festivals of Andhra Pradesh from interviewing people who live in villages, the internet and books in the library. To identify how these festivals are useful and why they are important. To learn about the customs and rituals related to each festival. To study about the varieties of foods, clothing etc particular to the festival selected. To learn about any special significance these festivals have. Hypothesis Festivals are believed to reflect the nature and character of a nation or people. They are usually marked by rituals and customs that are followed from past ages. These customs usually do not change but are handed down from generation to generation. Festivals in Andhra Pradesh are usually colourful, vibrant and traditional. They are essentially a good time to get together and pray to the deities. They are often marked by particular types of dishes and cuisine which make 68
them unique. Festivals enable us to trace our roots, ancestry and heritage. Some festivals are celebrated with songs and dances, others by fasts and observing vigils. Hence our study aims at understanding the historical beginnings of festivals of Andhra Pradesh such as Sankranthi, Atla Thadde, Karthika pournami and Ugadi. We also want to find out the customs, rituals, cuisine and specific practices that make these festivals, so unique. Sources for the Study The data was collected in the summer vacation. The researchers went to the villages and towns such as Tanuku, Bhimavaram, Narasapuram of West Godavari district. They also interviewed various people to find out about festivals and the customs that are related to each festival. The researchers also collected material from primary and secondary sources like the internet, and books from library. After collecting the data they were divided and subdivided festival wise. Information was obtained about Ugadi, Atla Thadde, Sankranthi and Karthika Pournami. Tools of Data Collection The main tools of data were through books in the library and Internet. References, analytical method and library methods were some of the tools used in this project work. We got information through interviews of some people living in villages Eluru. Later the matter was collected and carefully made into a fair draft. The analysis was done methodically though the discussions between the project director and the investigator. History of Andhra Pradesh The recorded history of Andhra Pradesh can be traced to the period of Maha-Janapada [700-300] BCE located between the rivers of Godavari and Manjeera in the present day Telangana region, succeeded by the Satavahana Empire. Accounts of people in the region as descendants of Vishawamitra are littered in all versions of Ramayana, Mahabaharata, puranas and jataka tales [Bhudhist literature]. India became independent from the United Kingdom in 1947. The Muslim Nizam of Hyderabad wanted to retain his independence from India, he was forced accede his kingdom to India in 1948 as the Hyderabad State. Andhra State was the first state in India that has been formed on a mainly linguistic basis by carving it out from Madras Presidency in 1953. Andhra State was later merged with Telugu speaking area of Hyderabad state to create Andhra Pradesh state in 1956. Since the state of Andhra Pradesh was formed Festivals were celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The festivals were as diverse as the people of India. The culture and heritage of Andhra Pradesh was reflected through the festivals. Today the Andhra Pradesh Festivals are part of the vibrant and colorful celebrations. Some of them are even arranged by the state. Festivals in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh is a vibrant conglomeration of people, culture and festivals. Owing its origin to some of the great dynasties of the past, the state manifests a magnificent blend of rich Nizami tradition and royal heritage. One of the most popular tourist attractions of India, the place shines with an effervescent social culture. The pulsating cultural base of Andhra Pradesh show cases the richness of the Nizams, the elegance of the Mughals and the sophistication of the 69
Cholas. The majestic architecture of the Charminar, Golconda fort, Salar jung museum, successfully bear the imprints of the skilled constructional abilities of the past rulers of the state. Inspiring the socio- cultured spectrum of Andhra Pradesh, the excellent people, culture, festivals of the state takes the place to unexplored heights of success, Karthika pournami is an important festival of Andhra Pradesh. Festivals in Andhra Pradesh are celebrated by the people of the state very religiously. Some of the festivals are religious and some are even arranged by the government of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This is mainly done with a purpose to expand tourism. Some of the popular Andhra Pradesh Festivals include Ugadi, Dassara Sri Rama Navami, Attlathaddi, Kartika paurnami, Deepavali and also festivities uniquely reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the Andhrites-the Deccan Festival, Visaka Utsav, Lumbini Festival and Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival etc. Sankranthi Meaning and Significance: Makar sankranthi is the day when the glorious Sun God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signifies an event where in the Sun God seems to remind people Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya. This means that one may higher and higher, to more and more light and never to darkness. To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranthi signifies that we should turn away from darkness of delusion in which we live, and brighter. The festival of Makar Sankranthi is highly regarded by the Hindus from north to south. Certain Hindu festivals are associated with the annual cycle of seasons. Sankrathi, the biggest harvest festival in Andhra Pradesh is one of such festival. Sankrathi is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season during January. It is celebrated for three days. Makar Sankranthi is called the major harvest festival of especially Andhra Pradesh and is celebrated in various parts of India. Hindu calendar begins around mid- December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family this day onwards. Sankranthi marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season. It is the festival of the Sun God and he is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it. Astrological Significance Makar Sankranthi has an astrological significance as the Sun enters the Capricorn [Sanskrit: Makar] zodiac constellation on that day. This date remains almost constant with respect to the Gregorian calendar. However, procession of the earth s axis [called ayanamsa] causes Maker Sankranthi was on 31 st December and is now on 14 th January. Five thousand years later, it shall be by the end of February, while in 9,000 years it shall come in June. While the traditional Indian calendar is based on the lunar positions, Sankranthi is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindus festivals keep changing as per the Gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranthi is celebrated in the Hindu calendar month of Magha. 70
Historical Background: According to the Historical Puranas, on this day Surya [Sun] Visits the house of his son Shani [Saturn] who is the lord of the Makar Sashi [Capricorn]. Though the father and son duo did not get along well, Surya made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son s house, for a month. This day thus symbolizes the importance of the special relationship between father and son. Rituals Related To Sankranti There are various features of the festival some of them are as follows. Pongal: The word Pongal derives its name from Pongali a sweet preparation made from freshly harvested rice. The newly harvested is cooked on this festive occasion to acclaim the bounty of Gods. Bhogi Pallu: The first day Bhogi, is a day for family. On this day the elders in the family pour different varieties of small fruit berries known as Bhogi Pallu on the heads of their children. This is performed to bless the children with prosperity and good health. Haridas: A notable feature of the festival in Andhra Pradesh is the Haridas who goes early in morning around with colourfully dressed cow Gangireddulu. He sings songs of Lord Vishnu, hence the name Haridas (Servant of Hari). It is a custom that he should not talk to anyone and only sing songs of lord Vishnu when he goes to everyone s house to collect rice, money or the grain. When people pour rice or alms into his brass bowl he keep atop his head, he blesses them with Krishnarpanam meaning the offering for God. Gali Patalu (Kite flying): During these days of January people of Andhra fly kites from terraces of their buildings. Children and elders enjoy this kite flying which is an indelible part of Sankranthi festival. Bhogi: The day preceding Makar sankranthi is called Bhogi and on this day the entire family wakes early in the morning and burns waste, old clothes, furniture, old book and rubbish accumulated through the year. Clearing and burning of rubbish symbolizes the destruction of evil. It means that people want to make a new beginning casting aside all that hinders their future. In many families, infants and children (usually less than three year old) are showered with fruit call Regi Pandlu that is the Indian Jujube fruit. It is believed that doing this protect the children from evil eye. Makar Sankranthi The second day is Makar Sankranthi also called Pedda Panduga which literally means the big festival when everyone wears new clothes, prays to God, and make offerings of traditional food to ancestors who have died. The advent of Sankranthi is associated with spring. Colourfully decorated designs or rangolis, known as Sankranthi muggulu are drawn in front of every household during this month. Kanuma Panduga The third day, Kanuma is for worship of the cattle and other domestic animals. On this day, the cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colours. Different garlands of 71
flowers and small bells of brass are placed around their necks. In the night, a bonfire is lit and the animals are made to jump over the fire. It is a big event for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The pongali offered to the Gods is then given to cattle and birds to eat. Mukkanuma Mukkanuma is popular among the non-vegetarians of the society. People in coastal Andhra do not eat any meat or fish during the first three days of the festival, and do so only on the day of Mukkanuma. For this festival all families prepare Ariselu, Appalu [a sweet made of Jaggery and rice flour] dappalam [a dish made with pumpkin and other vegetables] and make an offering to God. On this day all the people eat fish, meat and fowl in sumptuously cooked meals. Guests overflow in every home. Karthika Pournami Karthika pournami festival is celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety across the state. Many people offer early morning prayers by having a holy dip in rivers Krishna, Godavari, and light lamps as an offering to Lord Shiva and organize Rudra Ahishekhams to invoke Lord Siva. Hindu Rituals Karthika Pournami is closely associated with Prabodini Ekadashi which marks the end of Chaturmas- a four month period when Vishnu is believed to sleep. Pournami Ekadashi signifies the awakening of the God. Chaturmas penance ends in this day. Many fairs begin of this day. The Puskar Mela of Rajasthan continues till Karthika Pournami. This fair is held in honour of Lord Brahma whole temple stands at Puskar. Karthika Deepalu: Usually 360 or 720 lamps are placed on water in diyas and are allowed to float. These Kartika Dipalu are believed to secure escape from hell after death. People present lamps to priests. Lights are also placed under the Amla, Fig tree and Tulasi plants. The lights are believed to help fish, insects and birds to attain salvation. Attla Thadde Festival History and Beginning: Attla Thadde is a traditional festival celebrated by married Hindu women of Andhra region in Andhra Pradesh, India for the health and long life of their spouses it occurs on the 3 rd night after the full moon in Aswiyuja month of the Telugu calendar, and falls in either September or October in the Gregorian calendar. Attla Thadde is practiced only in Andhra Pradesh and hence a unique feature of our state. Rituals: Telugu woman mark Attla Thadde by keeping a day-long fast without food or water. In the evening, women perform pooja, and after looking at the moon, they break the fast by having tiny Atlu which are made of rice and black gram dal. Following are customs related to Attla Thadde in Andhra Pradesh. This festival is celebrated by women and children. On the eve of this day, they apply Gorintaku (Mehindi) on their palms. Women and children wake up in the early morning before the sunrise and Suddi (rice cooked day before night ) with Yoghurt and Gongura chutney. 72
Unmarried girls sing Attla Thadde songs. People swing in the Uyyala (Swing seats) tied trees in court yards of homes. People watch the moon in near- by ponds or lakes after the sunrise welcoming the day. In the evening preparation of sambar a soup of dal with 11 varieties of vegetables is made. Paltilikelu (sweet made with rice flour, jiggery and milk) is also prepared. Kudumulu a rice cake is prepared with jiggery being offered to Gowri devi. 11small dosas are offered to women and young girls. Tamarind pulihora is prepared as a special feature of this festival. Toranam is tied aroung the wrists of woman. These are made of chrysanthemum flowers, turmeric stained thread wound nine turns, and basil and betel leaves. These Thoranams are distributed to married women to be worn throughout the day. Special features of Attla Thadde festival On this day, some have a custom of preparing atlu or rice flour and keep preparing as offering to goddess Gowri, and after they will be distributed to relatives, neighbours as Vaayanam and if one s maternal aunt (aunt of your mother s side) has taken this Vaayanam the rituals continue. To all these 11 ladies one has to give each 11 Atlu with deepam (made of rice flour and ghee and light them in front of goddess Gowri) one has to offer each lady the Vaayanam by holding out sareepallu.these words are uttered Istinamma Vaayanam (I gave her the Vayanam) "Puchukunna amma Vaayanam" (lady says I took the Vaayanam ) Mummatiki muttindamma Vaayanam" (or) Andindamma Vaayanam (Lady says I received the Vaayanam). Vaayanam puchukunna vanitha evaro" (you) ask /pose a question saying who took the Vaayanam) And they then break the fast along with tasting all the dishes made sometimes they also make a sweet dish called palatalikulu.(a Kheer made with milk and rice powder).the women also eat the deeepam and take home the Atlu and eat them later with family members. All these women are given Thoranams to wear around their wrists. Pooja ceremony: A coconut covered with cloth Kalisam on rice is placed in the centre. Coins (inside Kalasam water, Kumkum, turmeric, coin and flower with 5 mango leaves or just water). A turmeric Ganpathi is shaped and placed near the Kalisam. Gowri Ashtotram is chanted by the devotees. Significance: This festival is popular with newly wedded young women. Usually the festival is celebrated in the bride s home before she leaves to be with her husband s family. These rituals usually are practiced to appease Gowri Devi who grants long life and prosperity to the young Women s spouses. Hence this festival is celebrated with great devotion in Hindu homes. Ugadi Historical Significance: This calendar reckons dates based on the Shalivahana era [Shalivahana Shaka] which begins its count from the supposed date of the founding of the empire by the legendary hero Shilivahana. The Shalivahana king Shalivahana [also idenfied as gautmiputra 73
Satakarniii] is credited with the initiation of this era known as Shalivahana. Ugadi Samvatsaradi Telugu is the new year day for the people of the Deccan region of India. The name Yugadi or Ugadi is derived from the Sankrit words Yuga [age] and adi [beginning], the beginning of new age. It falls on a different day every year because the Hindu calendar is lunisolar calendar. The Saka Calendar begins with the month of Chaitra [March April] and Ugadi marks the first day of the New Year. Chaitra is the first month in Panchanga which is the Indian calendar. Analysis Discussions Traditional festivals give joy and happiness. Traditional festivals are celebrated with all relatives together. Every on prays to God on these festivals. Each festival has its own unique manner of celebration. Usually festivals involve cooking of traditional dishes that are unique to each festival. Festivals also involve women in major roles such as conducting Poojas, decorating homes, creating rangoli pattern, cooking traditional dishes etc. Each festival is celebrated with its own set of rites and rituals. All the Hindus celebrate these festivals in relatively the same manner though they belong to different castes, different regions and classes or categories. Conclusion The traditional festivals of Andhra Pradesh are popular even in modern times. All religious people considered these festivals to be sacred traditional festivals deal with Gods and Goddesses. For example during Sankranthi festival involves rituals. People offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. During Attla Thadde Telugu woman keep a day long fast without food or water. In the evening women perform Pooja, and after sighting the moon they break the fast. Karthika pournami celebrations are held only during the full moon day which holds a lot of importance. It is considered a very auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva. Ugadi festivals mark the New Year day for people of Andhra Pradesh. They called it as Samvatsaradhi (in Telugu). Ugadi falls on the first day the bright half of the Indian month of Chaitra. Traditional festivals are always been very important aspects of people lives. They have a number of rituals. There are many traditional festivals to know about but due to time constraint only four have been selected for study. Findings: This study has enabled us to find out the history of four festivals of A.P Most of the women take up cooking a variety of dishes unique to each festival. Each festival marks the celebrations of important aspect of social life. Ugadi is a festival celebrating the birth of New Year for the people of Andhra Pradesh. Attla Thadde is a festival celebrated in honour of Gowri Devi-the safe keeper of matrimonial ties. Sankranthi is an important festival celebrating prosperity and prosperity to families. 74
References: w.w. w. traditional festivals.com Wikipedia Encyclopedia Inflibnet From Telugu books in the library Pedda Bala Sikshah. ------------------------------------- *A project work by students presented to the Department of English as a part of the V Semester Programme of B.A degree course, 2015-16. ** Under the guidance of HOD, Associate Professor, Department of English, Ch. S. D. St. Theresa s College for Women, Eluru, West Godavari Dt. Andhra Pradesh, India. ******* 75