Friday, March 29, 2024
Andhra Pradesh

Fairs and Festivals


Festivals

Nagula Chaviti

Nagula Chaviti This is observed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight in the month of either Sravana or Kartika.  This is a pre-historic celebration of Naga or Serpent-worship observed throughout Andhra.  Every village in Andhra has some or other Naga idol carved in stone or wood.  Generally the women fast on this day and propitiate Nagas by offering fresh, un-boiled cow's milk. 

Many families have ant - hills which have been worshipped for generations.  Miniature silver eyes and hoods of the Serpent God are placed on the ant - hills and coconuts are broken.  Some people have gold and silver images along with their family deities for daily worship. Charimidi, Pamakam and vada pappu are the special dishes for this day.  After praying to the Naga for protection of the family and children, particularly from snake bite, people smear their eyes and ears with the earth from the ant - hills.  There are many Telugu folk songs sung in the praise of the Serpent God.