Three-Day Festival Showcases Tribal Art, Culture, and Community Spirit in ASR District
Visakhapatnam: Modakondamma Jatara, a three-day tribal festival, commenced amidst traditional fervour at Paderu in ASR district on Sunday.
District in-charge collector M.J. Abhishek Gowda, sub-collector Shauryaman Patel, local MLAs, temple committee president Matsyarasa Visveswara Raju and former MLA Giddi Eswari participated in the opening ceremonies.
At 6 a.m., a procession with the deity's idol and sacred objects started from the temple and reached Shatakam Pattu, followed by the performance of rituals.
An atmosphere of carnival prevailed in the evening from the Paderu Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) office to the Modakondamma Temple. People witnessed displays of traditional art forms, including Dimsa and Kommu dance performances by artists from Paderu, Chintur and Rampachodavaram ITDAs, alongside presentations by students from the tribal areas.
Government officials inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by Information and Public Relations Department, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Agriculture Department, Coffee Board, and Van Dhan Vikas Kendra at the Junior College grounds.
Authorities established medical camps at both the temple premises and Junior College for dealing with emergencies. ICDS made special arrangements for nursing mothers at the temple site, while the Rural Water Supply department has set up drinking water kiosks at 10 locations at the festival venue.
"I feel fortunate for attending the Modakondamma Ammavari Jatara, which is part of the cultural tradition and a state festival," said in-charge collector Abhishek Gowda while inaugurating the festival at the Government Junior College grounds.
The festivities will continue on Monday and Tuesday. Lakhs of devotees are expected to attend the Modakondamma Jatara from the neighbouring districts and states.
