‘Prabhalu'-a specially decorated arches with Lord Siva's replicas with bamboo sticks and new clothes will be taken in huge procession from about 150 villages in Konaseema area is popular from hundreds of years.
‘Prabhalu' 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 festival. This is said to be 400-year old tradition in this area and most of the Agraharams celebrate this festival in a grand way with participation of thousands of people from every nook and corner of the Konaseema. Even Non-Resident Indians come here on Kanuma festival day to witness their ancestor's tradition along with some foreigners.
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. Tondavaram Todeswaraswami Prabha with a height of 42 feet was the tallest in Konaseema till last year. But, this year the tallest ‘Prabha' was brought from Vakalagruvu village with 45 feet height, that attracted every one on Sunday. In Konaseema area, the festival is popular only in areas like Kothapeta, Ambazipeta 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, with a history of 400 years, 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 Sastry, chief priest of the temple.
Non-resident Indians, mostly from Australia, Newzeland, U.S.A and other countries come to witness Prabhalu during Sankranti. “We love our motherland because the tradition and culture here keep all sections of people together,” said Radhika, Rami Reddy and their children, native of Kothapeta, who are settled in Melbourne, Australia.
