Tirupati 2023 Ganga Jatara Dates

Tirupati is a holy city in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and it is renowned for its cultural and religious significance. Every year, millions of devotees from around the world come to Tirupati to seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. In 2023, Tirupati will be hosting the Ganga Jatara festival, a grand celebration that attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country.

Gangamma Jatara or Gangamma Jatara is the annual folk festival celebrated for 10 days festivel celebrated in of Tirupati Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple.

What is Ganga Jatara?

Gangamma Jatara is a traditional festival celebrated in various parts of southern India, especially in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The festival is held in honor of the goddess Gangamma, who is believed to be the protector of villages and the goddess of rain. Gangamma Jatara is celebrated with great fervor and devotion and is marked by a grand procession of deities, cultural programs, and various rituals. The festival usually takes place during the months of April and May and is an important event in the cultural calendar of Andhra Pradesh.

Ganga Jatara Initiation Rituals, Procession and Feasting

The annual festival commences with the initiation rituals performed by the priests who tie the ‘Vadibalu’ to the ‘Viswaroopa Sthambam’ in front of the temple. This marks the beginning of the festivities. The festival is announced to the residents of the old town with the men parading the Chatimpu and banging dappus.

During the festival, the priests create a large traditional clay idol of the goddess in the temple’s portico. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings for Pongal, sarees, turmeric, and kumkum.

On the final day of the festival, the gate breaks into pieces at an auspicious time. Devotees eagerly collect the clay smithereens, which they consider sacred, and either keep them in their ‘Puja’ room or consume them by mixing them with water. Although animal sacrifices are forbidden, goats and birds are slaughtered at will in one corner of the temple, marking the end of the festival with feasting and celebration.

Tirupati Gangajatara 2022 Schedule: