The recognition of Sri Tatayagunta Gangamma Matla Jatara as a state festival is praiseworthy, as this village deity has been reigning in Tirunagari as the true sister of Tirumala Srivara for almost 900 years, and is beloved by the people of Tirupati.
During the Gangamma fair, which is organized each year by the State Deity Department officials, devotees present silk cloths and yellow saffron, and the festival is celebrated in grandeur with strict security and basic facilities established in the temple premises and surroundings, including sanitation management.
I appeal to the State Government Department of Tourism & Culture to allocate 5 crore rupees under the state budget for the fair every year, as has been done for other state festivals like "Sammakka Sarakka" and "Bonala." It is also customary to present silk cloths to Swami on behalf of the state government during Tirumala Srivari Brahmotsavam, and the same should be done for Gangamma Jatara.
For the seven days of Tathayagunta Gangamma Jatra, food should be arranged for devotees who come from surrounding villages, and buttermilk and good water should be provided to those who come to the temple. Damaged roads should be repaired and canal canopies should be installed in the surrounding areas, and the Gangamma temples in Tirupati should be beautifully lit up with electric lights and floral decorations.
I also suggest erecting arches at the four main entrances to the city of Tirupati, welcoming devotees with images of Gangammathalli. On behalf of the devotees, I appeal to the Chief Minister of the state to respond to the initiative of local parliamentarians and grant a budget of 5 crores to honor the occasion of declaring the Gangamma Jatara as a state government festival.
Naveen Kumar Reddy
-A Citizen
