Big Festival Chariot Event in Srinivasa Mangapuram

A big festival called Rathotsavam happened in Srinivasa Mangapuram. Many people came to see the gods pulled in a large chariot. This is a special part of the yearly temple celebrations.
By Newsroom | Festivals, Andhra Pradesh |

Festival Event Witnesses Devotees Participating in Chariot Procession

Srinivasa Mangapuram, Andhra Pradesh – The Rathotsavam, a significant event during the annual Brahmotsavam at the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple, drew substantial crowds. The festival, marked by the ceremonial pulling of a large chariot carrying the deities, saw enthusiastic participation from devotees amidst traditional music and chants.

‘Rathotsavam’ draws crowds to Srinivasa Mangapuram - 1

The Rathotsavam, translating to a chariot festival, is a key ritual in the Brahmotsavam celebrations. This year, the event proceeded with deities Sridevi and Bhudevi mounted atop the chariot. Traditional music, known as 'Mangala Vayidyam,' filled the air, accompanied by the repeated chanting of 'Govinda Govinda' by the assembled devotees. Cultural performances, including 'Kolatam' and 'Chekka Bhajan,' by various organizations also enlivened the festive atmosphere, preceding the chariot's movement.

‘Rathotsavam’ draws crowds to Srinivasa Mangapuram - 2

The temple officials, including Superintending Engineer Manoharam, Temple Special Officer and Chief Public Relations Officer T. Ravi, and Special Grade Deputy Executive Officer V. Veerabrahmam, were present, overseeing the arrangements.

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‘Rathotsavam’ draws crowds to Srinivasa Mangapuram - 3

Timeline of Rathotsavam Events

Information from various reports indicates a pattern for the Rathotsavam within the Brahmotsavam period.

‘Rathotsavam’ draws crowds to Srinivasa Mangapuram - 4

  • February 2025: Reports from February 26, 2025, place the Rathotsavam on the penultimate day of the Brahmotsavam, with Sri Kalyana Venkateswara along with Sridevi and Bhudevi parading through the temple streets. Officials present included SE Manoharam, EE Jaganmohan Reddy, special grade DyEO Varalakshmi, and VGO Sadalakshmi.

  • February 2026: A schedule for Brahmotsavam 2026 (February 8–16) lists Rathotsavam on February 15, with a 'Swarna Ratham' (Golden Chariot) procession scheduled for February 13 between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This date was also cited for the main Rathotsavam, with expectations of "very large crowds."

  • Recent Event (Unspecified Year): A report published recently highlights the Rathotsavam with deities Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy and consorts. The event included chants of 'Govinda Govinda' and the pulling of the chariot rope. Officials present were Superintending Engineer Manoharam, Temple Special Officer T. Ravi, and Special Grade Deputy Executive Officer V. Veerabrahmam. This aligns with the general description of the Rathotsavam.

Key Rituals and Participation

The Rathotsavam is characterized by the physical participation of devotees in moving the chariot.

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  • Devotees were observed pulling the large rope attached to the front of the chariot.

  • The chariot began to move with a "huge screeching sound," suggesting its substantial size and weight.

  • The deities are placed on the chariot during auspicious timings.

  • The event is typically preceded by cultural performances and devotional singing.

Official Presence and Roles

Temple administration plays a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the Rathotsavam.

  • V. Veerabrahmam (Special Grade Deputy Executive Officer): Identified as being present during the recent Rathotsavam.

  • T. Ravi (Temple Special Officer and Chief Public Relations Officer): Also present at the recent event, indicating a senior administrative role.

  • Manoharam (Superintending Engineer): Appears to be involved in overseeing the engineering aspects of such large-scale processions.

  • Varalakshmi (Spl Gr DyEO): Noted as being present in February 2025.

Context of the Brahmotsavam

The Rathotsavam is an integral part of the larger annual Brahmotsavam.

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  • The Brahmotsavam at Srinivasa Mangapuram is dedicated to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.

  • These celebrations involve various 'Vahanam Sevas' (processions on different divine vehicles) and sacred rituals.

  • The Brahmotsavam officially commences with 'Dhwajarohanam' (flag hoisting).

  • The festival culminates with 'Chakra Snanam' (divine cleansing ritual).

  • The Brahmotsavam schedule can extend over several days, with the Rathotsavam typically occurring towards the end of the main event. For instance, in 2026, it was scheduled for February 15.

Expert Analysis and Observations

  • The presence of large crowds is consistently mentioned, underscoring the festival's popularity and significance.

  • The inclusion of cultural troupes and traditional music is noted as a means to enhance the festive mood.

  • The logistical effort involved in managing such processions, including the coordination of deities, chariots, and devotees, is implicitly understood through the presence of engineering and administrative staff.

Conclusion and Implications

The Rathotsavam at Srinivasa Mangapuram is a well-attended religious observance that forms a vital component of the temple's annual Brahmotsavam. The event highlights the deep-rooted traditions and community involvement in religious festivals. The consistent participation of deities, temple officials, and a large number of devotees indicates the enduring spiritual and cultural importance of this ritual. The information gathered suggests a structured approach to organizing these large-scale events, with specific dates and timings, although variations in exact scheduling across years are observed.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Rathotsavam?
Rathotsavam means chariot festival. People pull a big chariot with gods in it during a special temple event.
Q: Who came to the festival?
Many people, called devotees, came to watch and help pull the chariot. Temple leaders were also there.
Q: When did this happen?
This event is part of a yearly festival. It happened recently, and similar events are planned for future years.
Q: What else happens at the festival?
There is music, chanting of god's names, and cultural shows before the chariot is moved.