Gangamma Jatara
Gangamma Jatara is one of the more popular celebrations in Chittor district primarily, much like Bonalu in Telangana, that is currently being celebrated. While it's celebrated all over Chittor dt, its the Tirupati one that is quite prominent.
Gangamma is believed to be the Grama Devata of Tirupathi, and also the sister of Shree Venkateswara. The celebrations over a period of 7 days begin at the Thathaiahgunta Gangamma temple to east of Tirupathi.
There was a Palegar ruling over Tirupati, who used to harass women for his lust. He would pick up any young woman he fancied and rape her. And also asked every young man to send his wife to him on their first night. As the villagers prayed to Devi to save them from the evil Palegar, she took birth as Gangamma in a village called Avilala. When she reached her young age, the Palegar tried to take her away, when she revealed her actual form to him.
The terrified Palegar ran away and hid himself in a remote place. Gangamma then came up with a 7 day Jathara to lure him out, where the villagers would wear various disguises(vichitra veshadharana), curse her to draw the Palegar out. Finally on the 7th day, the Palegar comes out of hiding. It's believed that Gangamma herself calls him out, disguising herself as a king, and then kills him. The Jatara celebrates the deliverance from evil.
The Jatara is conducted by the Theallaya Mirasi Achari family during May, beginning at the Thathayyagunta Temple, with a formal announcement or Chatimpu, as priests do the rituals and tie the Vadibalu to Viswaroopa Stambham in front. The Chatimpu is made by drummers roaming through the villages, announcing the start of the celebrations, and also instructing not to leave Tirupathi till it is over. A huge clay representation of Gangamma is made by priests and kept in front of temple for the 7 days.
Devotees pray to the clay figurine of Gangamma for the 7 days and on last day, it is smashed to pieces at the auspicious moment. The devotees rush to get the clay pieces they consider as sacred, which are either kept in Puja room or immersed in water. Each day of the Jatara sees devotees in various Veshams( disguise) to commemorate Gangamma donning them to bring out the Palegar from his hiding place.
Day 1 is Bairagi Vesham, where devotees smear their body with white ash, called Namman Kommu, and wear a garland of Rella Kaya. They also hold neem leaves and wear them around their waist. They walk through Tirupathi to the temple where they leave those neem leaves and garland.
Day 2 is Banda Vesham where devotees smear their body with kumkum. Day 3 is Thoti Vesham where devotess smear charcoal all over their body.
Day 4 is Sunnapu Gundalu, where devotees smear their body with white color paste, apply charcoal dots, and carry a pot Veyi Kalla Dutta on their head.
Day 5 is Dora Vesham, where devotees smear their body with Chandanam, wear a garland of neem leaves.
Day 6 is Mathangi Vesham, apparently Gangamma consoled the Palegar's wife in this form.
Last day is where all Gangamma Temples in Tirupati and surrounding areas are filled with devotees offering pongallu and sarees to Ammavaru. Some carry the Sapparalu with drums. Raagi Ambali is served as prasadam.
Finally at midnight the Clay figurine of Gangamma installed in front of the temple, begins Chempa Tholagimpu removing the left cheek and dissolving it. The clay is distributed to the devotees as the Jatara finally comes to an end.
During the Jatara, devotees offer goats and chicken as sacrifice to Gangamma, while the ladies prepare Pongal, consisting of rice, beans, sugar as offering. Also some ladies make the journey from their home to Gangamma temple on knees.
Gangamma Jaatara is one of the main celebrations in Tirupati. Though it's celebrated all over Chittor dt, the Tirupati one is the most famous, considering she is the grama Devata of the place and also the sister of Shree Venkateswara.