A few women line up to grind rice, pulses, and dry fruits in a tirgali (a traditional grinding stone) kept in front of their houses. Ask them what it is, and they will immediately share a healthy homemade recipe.
“We will dry-roast all these ingredients and prepare porridge for our children. This coarse powder can be stored for a few days,” says Ramanamma, a resident of Venkateswara Colony in Thatichetlapalem.
For any visitor, the colony appears like an extended family as every person is aware of what is happening in their neighbour’s house.
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From a spread of thatched huts to pucca houses, the locality is considered one of the largest slums in the city, providing shelter to more than 2,000 people.
Formed in 1979, the colony gutted when a major fire broke out in 1988.
“Many people were charred to death. And a few moved out of the place. Later, pucca houses were built with a loan of Rs.12,000 sanctioned per household under the urban community development project,” says Kayala Police, a resident of the colony since its inception.
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With a further investment of Rs.15,000, the residents teamed up to construct their houses.
Most people here have migrated from Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, and belong to the Telaga community. A number of vegetable and rock salt vendors, and autorickshaw drivers live in the colony. Sri Bhu Sameta Varada Venkateswara Devalayam draws the devout to the colony from far away places.
“Venkateswara Swami kalyanam and Dhanurmasam will be celebrated on a grand note. It is the best time as we come together to make arrangements in an elaborate way,” says B. Govind, a resident.
This apart, people of the entire colony are usually invited for every family celebration.