Konda Jathara: 500 Years of Faith, Harmony, and Prosperity at Sangameswara Swamy Temple

• The 500-year-old Sangammayya Konda Jathara, near Gajulakollivalasa village in Amadalavalasa Mandal, Srikakulam district, celebrates devotion and religious harmony.
• The annual three-day festival during Makar Sankranti, Kanuma, and Mukkanuma sees devotees undertaking a pilgrimage to Sangameswara Swamy for year-long good fortune.
• The festival features devotional songs, aarti, special pujas, and offerings like abhishekams and talaneelalu.
• A unique tradition on Kanuma day involves special worship of buffaloes and oxen, reflecting the belief in cattle's importance for rural prosperity.
• The Jathara exemplifies religious harmony, with participation from all communities and the convergence of Shaivism, Jainism, and Buddhism sentiments.

Why It Matters: The Sangammayya Konda Jathara is a 500-year-old festival embodying faith, religious harmony, and rural traditions.