Sphoorthi Theatre

Sri Goda Ranganatha Swamy temple, located in Edulabad Village, Ghatekesar Mandal, is a historically significant and exceptionally uncommon temple in India. While numerous temples can be found in the state and throughout the country, the three most notable ones are located in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, while the other two are situated in Telangana State. According to the Vishnupurana and Varaha Purana,Sri Vishnuchitta, Vishnuchittar also known as Perialwar, a temple priest, discovered an infant girl in his Tulasivanam. He bestowed the name ‘Kodhai’ meaning a bundle or bouquet of flowers upon her and raised the child. Kodhai was raised in an environment characterized by affection and dedication. Vishnuchitta, the affectionate father, serenaded her with hymns dedicated to Lord Sriman Narayana. As Kodhai matured into an exquisite young woman, her adoration and dedication to the Lord intensified to the point where she made the decision to wed none other than the Lord himself. Over time, h...

Bathukamma, also known as Bathukuamma, is a widely celebrated festival in the state of Telangana. It takes place between the months of September and October, coinciding with the arrival of the spring season. This festival is alternatively referred to as Aswiyuja and culminates two days prior to Dussera or Dushera, specifically known as Durgastami or "Saddula Bathukamma." Alternatively, it might be referred to as "Pedda Bathukamma". Boddemma is a week-long celebration that ensues after the conclusion of the Bathukamma festival. Bathukamma marks the commencement of the Sharath Ruthu season, whereas Boddmma signifies the conclusion of the Varsha Ruthu season. Bathukamma is the embodiment of the essence of Telangana. This festival has emerged as a significant component of the cultural revival movement in Telangana and has been officially recognized as a state festival. Bathukamma is a distinctive ceremonial practice that commences with the vibrant display of flowers an...

January month is the month of celebrations for Gonds and Kolams. Gond Adivasis worship is a month-long traditional celebration of Goddess Jangu Bai. Raj Gonds, Kolams, and their sub-tribes known as the aboriginal tribal communities worship the shrine of Jangu Bai which, according to Adivasis, is believed to have been formed naturally 25,000 years ago. Jangubai, or Raitaar Jango, is the Sadar Pen or the chief goddess of eight Gond sagas or clans and therefore the most revered of all the mythological personalities in Adivasi ethos. The Jangu Bai deity, a wish-granting Goddess, pilgrimage occurs in the auspicious Poos month as per the Gondi calendar and Pushyam month as per the Telugu calendar. The Gonds have a strong belief that the Goddess fulfills their wishes when worshipped with dedication and devotion. For the Gond Adivasis in the country, the Jangubai pilgrimage is a major event associated not only with their religion but their sociocultural identity. The Pen da Dasra or Dev ka ...

Chekka Bommlata, also known as Koyya Bommlata, is a traditional form of wooden string puppetry that was performed at Kala Ashram in Adilabad, Telangana State, Bharata Desha. It was an incredible honour for Sphoorthi Theatre to organize this event. Great to see the octogenarians Mothe Ramaswamy and Mothe Yadagiri of Burugupeta village, Venkapuram Mandal, Bhupalpalli (Prof. Jayashankar) District, Warangal, Telangana State, India at Kala. They both live in Burugupeta village. String puppetry, also known as Chekka Bommlata or Koyya Bommlata, is a source of pride for the state of Telangana. There are currently two Mothe troupes that perform it; the first is from Ammapuram and is quite well known, and the other is from Burugupeta.  Earlier today, I published a post titled "The Decline of Traditional Wooden Puppetry in Telangana in 2012," which goes into detail regarding the Mothe Troupe of Ammapuram. Both the Mothe Ammapuram troupe and the Mothe Burugupeta troupe are connected...