Paruveta Utsavam: an ancient ritual steeped in social harmony Premium
The Hindu
Discover the Paruveta Utsavam, a centuries-old festival symbolizing social harmony and religious unity in Andhra Pradesh's vibrant culture.
‘Paruveta Utsavam’, the annual socio-religious procession from the forest fringes of Ahobilam to 33 villages nearby over about 40 days, has been happening uninterruptedly for over six centuries.
The procession stands as a symbol of equality and religious harmony. The idol of Lord Narasimha is taken to every street and household and the lion-headed God is believed to bless the devotees irrespective of their caste and religion.
The Government of India is all set to showcase the same to United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to get it recognised as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’.
A legacy of communal harmony
The Chenchu tribespeople of Ahobilam, located in the heart of Nallamala forest, has a centuries-old association with the ancient Narasimha Swamy temple belonging to Sri Ahobila Mutt, which is its hereditary trustee.
According to Hindu folklore, the lion-headed God married Chenchu Lakshmi from the tribal community after slaying the demon-king Hiranyakashipu and rescuing his devotee Prahlada. The ancient temple not only has several places connected to the mythological episodes behind ‘Narasimha Avatar’, but the region is also richly intertwined with anecdotes and tales from scriptures.
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss criticises DMK for rising crimes against women and children, urging voters to prioritize safety.
Join the 'Clean Kodagu-Beautiful Kodagu' campaign promoting cleanliness at pilgrimage and tourist spots across Kodagu district.
Shorts News:‘Over 2.44 lakh Indians returned from Gulf so far’
Oppo on Tuesday launched the new K series smartphone in India for the mid segment buyers, the new Oppo K15 5G, featuring IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust, water immersion, and high-pressure hot water jets resistance
NCTP members oppose amendments to the Transgender Persons Act, citing lack of consultation and potential harm to transgender rights.
AIADMK MP C.Ve. Shanmugam faces backlash for derogatory comments about a female actor during an NDA protest in Villupuram.
Urea shortage disrupts farming in Tiruchi as demand spikes during critical sowing period, affecting supply at private outlets.
While granting bail to the tantri in February, the Vigilance Court had observed that the SIT failed to produce substantive evidence to support the allegations levelled against him
Gujarat's panel submits UCC report to CM Patel, paving the way for a draft bill in the ongoing Budget session.
Edappadi Palaniswami criticises the DMK government for failing to file an FIR on cash-for-jobs allegations, seeking High Court intervention.
Cookbook author Sabita Radhakrishna gives us tips on utilizing smart kitchen gadgets you probably already own to make easy meals without using LPG, from an induction stove to her trusty instant pot
Madras High Court postpones PMK intra-party dispute hearing until after Tamil Nadu and Puducherry elections conclude, on May 10.
TMC to contest 291 seats in Bengal polls, confident of winning over 226, announces Mamata Banerjee amid fierce competition.