HYDERABAD: Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy attended the Peddagattu Jatara at Durajpally in Suryapet district on Monday. He offered prayers at the Lingamantula Swamy temple and inspected the arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious festival.
Also known as Gollagattu Jatara, this festival is Telangana’s second-largest religious congregation after the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara. Held every two years, the five-day event holds deep spiritual significance, especially for the Yadava community. This year, the Jatara began on February 16 and will conclude on February 20.
Government Support and Participation
Upon arrival, temple committee members welcomed Uttam Kumar Reddy with traditional honours. He participated in the Bhairi (Bhery) drumming ceremony and performed special prayers. He also thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for sanctioning ₹5 crore for the festival and instructed officials to ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees.
Speaking to the media, he emphasized Telangana’s cultural heritage and the Congress government’s commitment to preserving traditions. “This festival, celebrated since the 16th century, showcases our deep-rooted traditions and unites people in devotion. The government is ensuring all essential facilities for such grand events,” he said.
With over 30 lakh devotees expected, the minister reviewed key arrangements, including drinking water, sanitation, electricity, medical aid, and security. Traffic management was a priority, as authorities imposed diversions along the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway to prevent congestion.
To ensure order, additional police personnel and surveillance cameras were deployed. Traffic restrictions rerouted Vijayawada-bound vehicles via Narketpally, Miryalaguda, and Kodad. Hyderabad-bound vehicles were redirected through Kodad, Miryalaguda, and Nalgonda. Heavy vehicles were restricted near the venue to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Religious Processions and Rituals
Thousands of devotees gathered for prayers, with the ‘Devara Petta’ procession being a major highlight. Idols of Lingamantula Swamy, Choudamma, and other deities were carried through the temple amid chants, drum beats, and traditional dances, enhancing the festival’s spiritual atmosphere.
Expressing his admiration for the massive turnout, Uttam Kumar Reddy said, “This Jatara is not just a festival; it is an emotion for the people of Telangana. It is heartening to see devotees not only from our state but also from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.”
Improved Facilities for Devotees
To prevent health emergencies, multiple medical teams and emergency health camps were set up. Drinking water, temporary toilets, and sanitation workers ensured cleanliness at the site.
Interacting with temple priests and community leaders, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured them of the government’s continued support in maintaining the festival’s legacy. He reiterated the Congress government’s commitment to preserving Telangana’s cultural heritage and celebrating religious events with grandeur.
Key Attendees
Congress leaders Ramreddy Sarvotham Reddy, Venareddy, temple chairman Narasayya Yadav, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, Congress party members, temple committee members, and other officials participated in the event.
