Two days after the Telangana government re-established the spiritual connect with the Ahobilam Nava Narasimha group of temples in Nandyal district, the Andhra Pradesh government also accorded the State festival status to the ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ (mock hunting ritual) conducted during this part of the year.
It was early this week that Telangana Commissioner of Endowments Anil Kumar, accompanied by Purandar Kumar, Executive Officer of Jogulamba temple in Alampur, came in a procession to offer ‘silk vastram’ to the temple, recognising the ancient connect the shrine has with the Telangana rulers, including the Kakatiya dynasty, Wanaparthy and Gadwal Samsthanams.
The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday issued G.O. Ms. No. 9, declaring the mock hunting ritual as a State Festival as it stands as a symbol of communal harmony. The principal deity from the shrine is taken to the scores of tribal hamlets located around Ahobilam for 40 days, as the Lord is revered to have married a Chenchu tribal girl. The local Muslims also offer prayers to the deity during this event.
The festival started losing sheen after the downfall of the Vijayanagara dynasty, the chief patrons of the Ahobilam temple, and it was later revived by the sincere efforts taken by the pontiffs of the Ahobila Mutt.
The decision was taken based on a request from the Chief Executive Officer of Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Culture Commission.
