Nizamabad Gears Up for Annual Oora Panduga
Police have stepped up security and deployed personnel along the procession route to ensure smooth movement of the deity procession
NIZAMABAD: The Nizamabad Municipal Corporation and police have completed elaborate arrangements for the annual Oora Panduga, one of the city's most significant traditional festivals, to be celebrated on August 2.
Civic authorities have cleaned roads and surrounding areas along the procession route from Quilla Sharadamba Gadde through Vivekananda Chowrasta, Pedda Bazaar, Gole Hanuman, Vinayak Nagar, Mahalaxmi Nagar Dubba and other localities. Special sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness throughout the celebrations.
Police have stepped up security and deployed personnel along the procession route to ensure smooth movement of the deity procession. Rope-party teams have also been formed to regulate crowds and prevent stampedes, particularly during the distribution of Sari, when large numbers of devotees are expected.
Residents across Nizamabad are preparing to worship the village deities during the annual festival, which is observed with devotion by people across communities, irrespective of caste and religion.
As part of the tradition, 14 village deity idols are carved from the wood of a single mango tree. The idols include Pavudalamma, Aidu Chetula Pochamma, Mahalakshmamma, Adelli Pochamma, the two Sargammas, Attaru Poshavva, Kondala Rayudu, Bogamsani, Asu, Ratnam and Ampudu Poshavva. Special rituals will be performed on Saturday evening at Vadladhati before the idols are installed at Quilla Sharadamba Gadde. The main procession will begin on Sunday morning.
A key ritual of the festival is the distribution of Sari, a sacred mixture prepared from nine varieties of grains and flour. According to tradition, devotees sprinkle it on their homes and cattle, believing it offers protection from disease and misfortune.
Oora Panduga is celebrated every year on the Sunday following the full moon in the month of Ashada. According to local tradition, the festival originated after outbreaks of cholera, plague and other epidemics, when residents began worshipping the village deities, believing the ritual had protected the town ever since.