For the countless pilgrims at the ‘Rottela Panduga’ here, the 400-year-old roti exchange tradition is a powerful means of self-motivation and a matter of faith to achieve greater aspirations in life and career.
Devotees from different religions travel long distances to take part in this annual festival being held at the Swarnala Cheruvu tank here from October 1 to 5. Over four lakh pilgrims took part in four days.
The devotees go to the water front with rotis and step into knee-deep cool waters of the tank. One such pilgrim Md. Habeeb, 20, wanted to exchange a ‘studies roti’ (for excellence in studies) with him.
Asked if his previous visit helped him, Mr. Habeeb smiled and said, “Yes, it did. There has been a lot of improvement. I am more confident now. I am studying BBM in Visakhapatnam. Some of my friends also came here to make their wishes.”
One girl hailing from Vellore in Tamil Nadu exchanged the rotis with him. Dressed in a sari, the Hindu woman came with her family members. The wish list includes employment, health, wealth, children and house.
Parveen, a young woman from Tenali, was happy that her family could build a house after their visit last year. Her present wish was for success in business. Her friend Nageena came for a child.
Rottela Panduga is a tradition turned into a festival being celebrated alongside the annual ‘Urs’ (death anniversary) of 12 Islamic martyrs at the famous Bara Shaheed Dargah (a mausoleum of 12 warriors).
In those days, long-distance pilgrims came for Urs and stayed back for a few days. It eventually turned into a festival and stands out as a unique symbol of religious harmony.
