India is a country of villages. There are many customs, practices, festivals which create an image and specific identity for that particular village.
I am from a small village named Kondapaaturu, which is located in Andhra Pradesh state. It is 45 km from Guntur. My place is famous for its carnival which is held during the mid of April month. The feast is celebrated for a week.
Story Behind the Carnival
The story behind this carnival is exciting. During the 19th century, people in that area faced many troubles. They experienced severe drought, and crops failed to grow in that village. The head of that area was in a great dilemma. Then one night, a strange thing has happened.
He had a dream where he was suggested by a goddess named Pochamma to construct a temple for her. She further told that she would come in the form of a goat to occupy her place in the temple.
With great difficulty, he gathered funds and completed the construction of that temple. He was waiting for the goddess to occupy her place in the temple. Everyone gathered around the temple to witness the arrival of the goddess. Suddenly a goat came in front of the temple, and the goddess revealed her real form. People were so fortunate to witness the goddess with their own eyes. They worshipped her with utmost devotion, and it started to rain, giving an end to the severe drought.
Then people decided to celebrate a carnival every year so that the goddess would bless her. The glory of the goddess Pochamma has spread to many areas, and many people started arriving to witness the annual carnival. Till today many people from different regions come to worship the goddess and seek her blessings.
Glory to Goddess Pochamma
On the first day, people worship the goddess with one lakh jasmine flowers. The statue of the goddess looks very beautifully decorated with all the flowers. On the second day, a ritual is performed using fire. The smoke liberated during that ritual causes a chemical reaction in the clouds, which helps in raining.
Throughout the third and fourth days, the glory of the goddess is discussed. It is believed that people are showered with the blessings of the goddess when we listen to her stories. On the fifth-day people design, a beautiful chariot made of wood. It is decorated with many flowers.
The statue of the goddess is placed in the chariot and is paraded on the sixth day. People believe that the goddess herself can look upon the condition of the people, and she will do the required things.
The unique attraction of the village takes place on the seventh day. Many people, irrespective of the age group, participate eagerly. The event is known as “Silambu.” In this event, people decorate a goat and place it in a cage. People put the pen at a height of 60 feet with the help of a crane.
The priest of the temple gives a lemon to every person. They think about a wish in their mind and throw the lemon at the cage. If the lemon reaches the cage, it is believed that their boon gets fulfilled. I still remember when I first participated in the event, I wished to become a spiderman.
People in that area collectively contribute to the event. This event not only helps to seek the blessings of the goddess but also helps to strengthens the relations between people of that village. Relatives from different parts come to their area to witness the event and have a great time with their family.