Rottela Panduga : Celebrated In Nellore Having A Fascinating History
Rottela Panduga : Also Known As Bread Festival originated in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, and has a fascinating history. According to the story, the Nawab of Arkatu visited the Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore after his wish was fulfilled. As an expression of gratitude, he offered bread in a pond made of gold. This incident marked the beginning of the festival of bread.
Rottela Panduga & Popularity
The festival gained popularity in the 1930s and has been celebrated annually ever since. During the three-day festival, thousands of devotees from all over the country gather at the Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore. Devotees participate in the exchange of homemade chapatis and loaves of bread in the water of the pond while wearing masks on their heads.
The loaves of bread offered have different significances and purposes. Devotees offer bread for various wishes such as good health, education, weddings, luck, visa approvals, development, and unity. These loaves of bread are then distributed to the devotees at the pond, with the rate of exchange being one loaf for two loaves the following year. The remaining bread is left in the pond.
To distinguish the bread of a particular category, banners are arranged. The festival of bread also promotes religious harmony, as devotees who exchange loaves of bread also visit the dargahs of Kasumuru and Anumasamudram in the district. The boat ride at the pond is a special attraction during the festival.
Another festival called Gandhamhotsavam, which symbolizes religious harmony, is held simultaneously at the Bara Shaheed Dargah. The festival commemorates the Nawab of Arkatu, who used to wash clothes at the Nellore Lake. It is said that his wife had a dream of Barashaheen buried there. Upon following the dream’s instructions, the king’s wife recovered from her illness. As an expression of gratitude, the king and his wife distributed bread at the tombs near the Nellore pond, and this tradition has continued since then.
Originally, the festival of bread was celebrated for one day during the month of Moharam. However, due to the large crowds, it is now celebrated for four days. The festival continues to be a cherished tradition, attracting devotees from all walks of life who come together to exchange bread and offer prayers at the Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore.
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