Akadi Festival is one of the many festivals celebrated in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the Rajula Devara Festival, the Akadi festival is observed by the Gonds either on Sunday or Thursday before the full moon day in the month of Akadi (June-July). This festival is celebrated at Malepalle near Adilabad. The festival is held in honour of Sri Pollam Raju Devara who is said to be the monarch of the hills and forests and is as such performed in the nearby forest.
In the celebration of this festival, all the male members of the family, along with their children and cattle, go to this forest for the Puja. The premises where the Puja is supposed to be held are smeared with cow dung and then decorated with Jowar flower. Kheer or Payasam are cooked and the cattle are fed in the name of the deity. Following the performance of the Puja, two goats and two fowls are sacrificed to appease the God. A straight line of 10-15 metres is drawn with turmeric powder and the cattle are cattle are made to cross over it before they are driven away to the forest without any guard.
In the meantime, the women prepare the feast with the meat of the sacrificed animals and it is consumed by all the people present. The Kheer, which is a kind of dessert, is also served to all the invitees. The cattle which were driven away to the forest are brought back on the following day. If on return to the village, all the cattle are found to have returned, it is believed that the Pollam Raju has protected their cattle against wild animals.
From the festive day, the Dhandari Dance is played till the end of Diwali. Besides participating in this festival, each household sacrifices a fowl to Pochamma, invoking her blessing to protect their cattle against diseases.
This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com
(Last Updated on : 06-12-2016)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in States of India
|
|
|
• | North Indian States North Indian States formed the cultural and religious unity in spite of having many foreign invasion and the political disturbances from the early era till the British gained supremacy in Indian sub continent.
| | • | Districts of South Tamil Nadu Districts of South Tamil Nadu consist of many tourism destinations like archaeological sites and the history of Pandyas and Cholas. Considering their proximity to the sea, many districts also boast of serene beaches and coastal beauty.
| | • | History of Chhattisgarh History of Chhattisgarh dates back to the era of epics and traces through the reign of powerful dynasties in India like Marathas. The area developed a rich cultural heritage during British era.
| | • | Arvalem Caves Arvalem Caves are among one of the ancient monuments of Goa and a place of tourist interest. These ancient caves are believed to have been built sometime in the 6th-7th century.
| | • | Elk Waterfalls Elk Waterfalls is one of the unique spots of Tamil Nadu. Known for scenic beauty, the waterfall is frequented by a number of tourists.
| | |
|
|
|
|