The Sangeet Natak Academy is reviewing the declaration of ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ by UNESCO as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’.
About the Paruveta Utsavam:
- The Paruveta Utsavam is an annual mock hunting festival mainly celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, during Vijayadasami or Sankranti for a mandala (40 days).
- It marks the marriage of Chenchu Lakshmi and Ahobila Narasimha, the deities of the temple.
- The festival is mentioned as ‘Mrugayotsava’ in the Pancharatra Agama.
- It sees participation from communities like the Vadla Kammara and Mala Community, symbolizing communal harmony.
- The celebrations involve taking the main deities, Shri Prahladavarada Swamy and Jwala Narasimha Swamy, to the tribal hamlets of Chenchu for 40 days, where tribals, donning yellow robes and ‘Tulasi Mala’, and carry the deity.
- The festival starts with Chenchu tribals shooting 2 arrows at the palanquin, showcasing their reverence and protection for the deity, followed by temple staff staying in Chenchu hamlets to promote a casteless society.
- Sankranti is celebrated when the deity reaches the tribal hamlets, with special honors like Gudikattu and Ayakattu awarded, and traditional performances like Veedhinatakams, Harikatha, and Burra katha narrating the marriage story of Chenchu Lakshmi with Ahobila Narasimha.
Ref: Source
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