The youth and middle-aged from 16 mandals of Konaseema and Non-Resident Indians have enthusiastically took part in most popular traditional fete ‘Prabhala Utsavam’ in East Godavari district. Moreover, this year the locals brought their friends from Telangana State to witness the extravaganza that added more colours.
The ‘Agraharam’ culture is still alive in some villages in Konaseema, from where ‘Prabhalu’ will be taken out in a massive procession in which people from every house cutting across caste, creed and religion lines will participate. This is said to be a 400-year old tradition in this area and most of the Agraharams celebrate this festival with participation of thousands of people from every nook and corner of Konaseema. The interesting point is that every year there will be tough competition between the villages relating to the height of the Prabha (arch) that a village decorates.
‘Prabhalu', specially decorated arches with Lord Siva's replicas with bamboo sticks and new clothes, were taken out in a huge procession from about 150 villages in Konaseema area. The processions add to the beauty of Konaseema during Sankranti festival. This is in addition to cockfights and special decorations to temples. The ‘prabhalu’ fete is on the lines of the one held at Kotappakonda in Guntur district. But, unlike in Kotappakonda, the event in Konaseema is held on ‘Kanuma', the third day of the four-day festivities.
The main attraction is the height of the Prabhalu. One should not miss to witness the way the procession is taken out. Crackers from the famous Vetlapalem will be burst throughout the procession. This year the tallest ‘Prabha' was brought from Vakalagaruvu village with 43 feet height that attracted every one on Friday.
In Konaseema area, the festival is popular only in areas like Kothapeta, Ambajipeta and Jagganna Thota. Gunnepalli Agraharam, Vyagreswaram, Mukkamala, Pulletikurru, Irusumanda, Gangalakurru and Gangalakurthi Agraharam villages will bring Prabhalu in a procession. ‘Ekadasa Rudra Prabhalu’ of Mosalapalli of Jaganna Thota are the most popular. “A plaque in Bhogeswara temple in Mosalapalli has a mention about this. Prabhalu used to come from Jaganna Thota and other villages to this place,” said Subbarayudu, chief priest of the temple.This year, NRIs from the USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand and other countries came to witness Prabhalu during Sankranti.
