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Tirupati Gangamma Jatara
Context
The week-long annual folk festival Gangamma Jatara has been celebrated in Tripura, Andhra Pradesh.
What is the Tirupati Gangamma Jatara?
- The Tirupati Gangamma Jatara is an important annual festival for the people of Tirupati.
- It is celebrated in the first half of May every year.
- Who is Goddess Gangamma: Gangamma is a revered goddess in Tirupati, believed to be born in Avilala, Tirupati. She is worshipped as the younger sister of Lord Sri Venkateswara, the main deity of Tirupati.
- During the festival, people from various places visit the Gangamma temple in Tirupati, known as Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple. The temple is named after a 16th-century devotee, Tirumala Thathacharyulu.
- Unique Traditions of the Festival: As a symbolic birthday gift from a brother to his sister, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sends a special gift called "Parisu" on behalf of Lord Sri Venkateswara to Goddess Gangamma.
- Legend Behind the Festival:
- According to folklore, a local chief named Palegadu used to exploit beautiful women.
- The women prayed to Goddess Jaganmatha, who then took birth as Gangamma in Avilala village.
- Palegadu insulted Gangamma, and in response, she revealed her terrifying form, causing him to flee. Gangamma searched for Palegadu, wearing different disguises for three days. On the fourth day, disguised as Palegadu’s boss, she lured him out of hiding and killed him
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