All about Gangaama Jatara that inspired the most-talked-about scene in Pushpa 2

Allu Arjun is all set to return to the big screen with his upcoming film Pushpa 2, which has been long overdue now, and the fans can't keep calm with all the exciting stuff the makers have been putting out. The teaser of the film showcased the icon star, where we saw him dressed in a pattu saree with blue body paint and adorned with nose pins, earrings, bangles, necklaces, and a garland of lemons. It was a homage to the deity Gangamma Thalli.

Gangamma Jatara

Allu Arjun's look in Pushpa 2 is inspired by the Tirupati Gangamma Jatara.

This is a folk festival that takes place in Tirupati every year between the first and second weeks of May. During this time, devotees from across the country arrive in Tirupati to offer their prayers to Goddess Gangamma. She is considered God Venkateshwara Balaji's sister and is known to protect the region from any harm, according to Hindu mythology.

The devotees of Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple celebrate Gangamma Jatara in Tirupati; during the festival, priests perform a ritual that marks the beginning of the celebration.

Following this, drummers beat drums through the old town to announce the commencement of the festival. The beating of the drums is also a way of indicating the arrival of the goddess and for everyone to come and join the festival. This festival extends over a week and begins with Chatimpu at midnight.

Following this comes Bhairagi Vesham. On this day, devotees paint themselves in white known as Namam Kommy on their bodies and wear a garland made from Rella Kaya. Then they carry neem leaves in their hands and tie more around their waists. After worshipping the goddess, they leave the neem leaves and Rella Kaya garlands at the temple. This procession continues daily.

The next day, the Banda Vesham ritual takes place, where devotees apply kumkum paste and tie ribbons on their heads. Following this, devotees follow Thoti Vesham, which involves covering their bodies with charcoal and wearing neem garlands.

For Dora Vesham, devotees use sandal paste with garlands of neem leaves and lemons. The next day marks the beginning of Mathangi Vesham, and it symbolizes Gangamma, consoling the chieftain’s wife after defeating Palegadu.

The very next day, Sunnapu Kundalu takes place. Devotees wear white paste with charcoal dots and carry a pot around the temple. The festival concludes with Gangamma Jatara.

On this day, devotees offer sarees at Gangamma temple. At midnight, a clay idol is installed, and a symbolic ritual named Chempa Tholagimpu is performed to mark the end of the festival. The clay is further distributed to worshippers for its healing powers.

The festival is celebrated to praise the valorous act of Gangamma slaying Palegondulu and to punish him for his demonic character of outraging the modesty of women. So, dressing up as a woman to pay obeisance to the goddess is considered an 'ode' to womanhood. The way Allu Arjuns Pushpa has adapted the festivals, slang, and everything suitable for a character from Tirupati is why the film was loved by many. The film is all set to release on 5th, December 2024.