Nuzvid rings in all-religion Dussehra
Times of Bennett | Updated: Feb 01, 2022 16:24
By HADASSAH MANI BANDI
NUZVID : This small town in Andhra Pradesh would have lived in isolation had it not been for its unique Dussehra celebrations, a tradition followed in this relatively unknown part of India for 110 years.
“Nuzvid is known as the second Mysore due of its grand Dussehra. Initially, the celebrations were a royal event. But in 1952, they handed over the responsibility to the Sport Club, comprising locals,” Rajsekhar Mallipudi, BJP town president said. “This is Nuzvid’s trademark celebration not restricted to any religion, caste or community. Everyone takes part. Our Dussehra is a universalfestival ,” he adds.
The week-long celebrations include a procession of three Goddesses through the streets to live music, skit performances, dances, doll parades and an all-Indiakabaddi competition . The highlight is ‘Jammi Kottu’, a gun salute in honour of the Pandavas who returned victorious from war to kick off the return of Ram to Ayodhya, under the Jammi tree. “The Goddesses of the three temples lead the procession sitting on elephant and camel backs. Puppeteers work on lifesize bamboo dolls. The huge dolls are made using bamboo wrappers, resembling real people. Men enter these bamboo sticks and move them from inside in a special show of puppetry,” Mallipudi tells you. The festivities used to be massive with royals from joining in from Telangana and Vijayanagaram too.
Over the years, dwindling donations and lack of interest have dented the grandeur. “The club organises the celebrations with small amounts collected from donors, one of them being local MLA Pratap Apparao who contributes 50 per cent of the donation,” said Mallipudi.
Though the pandemic did not allow the Dussehra celebrations in 2020, the pooja was not stopped with people paying obeisance from the confines of their homes.
Another highlight of the Nuzvid Dussehra is its sports competition, introduced in 1952. Chedugugu (Kabaddi-like sport) has since then been the main draw.
The festive competition is popular in villages. Every Dussehra, the organisers conduct the week-long event with teams from all over the country taking part. Movie stars are the special attraction. Many players who have competed in these sports, have gone on to represent the nation with Nuzwid introducing these kabaddi players to the Indian team.
“Nuzvid is known as the second Mysore due of its grand Dussehra. Initially, the celebrations were a royal event. But in 1952, they handed over the responsibility to the Sport Club, comprising locals,” Rajsekhar Mallipudi, BJP town president said. “This is Nuzvid’s trademark celebration not restricted to any religion, caste or community. Everyone takes part. Our Dussehra is a universal
The week-long celebrations include a procession of three Goddesses through the streets to live music, skit performances, dances, doll parades and an all-India
Over the years, dwindling donations and lack of interest have dented the grandeur. “The club organises the celebrations with small amounts collected from donors, one of them being local MLA Pratap Apparao who contributes 50 per cent of the donation,” said Mallipudi.
Though the pandemic did not allow the Dussehra celebrations in 2020, the pooja was not stopped with people paying obeisance from the confines of their homes.
Another highlight of the Nuzvid Dussehra is its sports competition, introduced in 1952. Chedugugu (Kabaddi-like sport) has since then been the main draw.
The festive competition is popular in villages. Every Dussehra, the organisers conduct the week-long event with teams from all over the country taking part. Movie stars are the special attraction. Many players who have competed in these sports, have gone on to represent the nation with Nuzwid introducing these kabaddi players to the Indian team.
