Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with great devotion in Nellore’s ancient Shiva temples, such as Jonnawada Kamakshi Devi Temple, Ravuru Temple, and Kasumuru Temple. Devotees fast, chant hymns, and stay awake all night performing abhishekams (ritual bath) to Lord Shiva with milk and honey. The air is filled with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Cultural programs like devotional music and bhajans continue throughout the night.

In Nellore city and towns like Kavali, Gudur, and Sullurpet, Christmas is celebrated with grandeur. Churches are beautifully lit and decorated, and midnight masses draw large gatherings. Carol singing, nativity plays, and community feasts bring joy to everyone, regardless of religion. The celebrations continue into New Year’s Eve, with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings marking the beginning of another year filled with hope.

The Penchalakona Jatara is one of the most revered pilgrimages in the district, dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The temple, nestled amidst the forested hills of the Eastern Ghats, becomes the center of devotion during the annual festival. Devotees, often walking barefoot from distant towns, take a holy dip in the Penusila River before visiting the temple. Rituals, cultural programs, and annadanams (free meals) are organized throughout the event. The serene environment and spiritual energy make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.

Held at the Bara Shaheed Dargah near Nellore city, this unique festival attracts lakhs of devotees from across South India. People visit the dargah to offer and exchange rotis (flatbreads), symbolizing their wishes and fulfilled prayers. The atmosphere is filled with faith and unity, as people from all religions participate in this sacred event. Pilgrims camp near the dargah, light lamps, and take holy dips in the nearby tank, seeking blessings for prosperity and good health.

Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminates every corner of Nellore with lamps, candles, and fireworks. People celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are cleaned and decorated with diyas, colorful lanterns, and flower garlands. Sweets like laddus and kajas are distributed among friends and family. Markets in Nellore city, such as Trunk Road and Pogathota, buzz with festive activity as people shop for clothes, crackers, and gifts. In rural areas, community bonfires and fireworks displays make the nights lively and radiant.

Dussehra, also called Dasara, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. In Nellore, temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, such as the Kanaka Durga Temple, are decorated with lights and flowers. Special poojas, processions, and Navaratri celebrations are held for nine days. Women participate in Bathukamma, offering flowers and prayers. The tenth day, Vijayadashami, is considered auspicious for starting new ventures or learning arts. Dramatic performances (Harikatha and Burrakatha) and local fairs add a festive charm to the district.

Vinayaka Chavithi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Across Nellore district, homes, schools, and streets are adorned with idols of Ganesha crafted from clay and eco-friendly materials. The ten-day celebration includes daily prayers, traditional dances, and devotional songs. On the final day, grand processions are held to immerse the idols in nearby water bodies, accompanied by drumbeats and chants of “Ganapathi Bappa Moriya.” In Nellore city, the immersion at Magunta Layout and Ramalingapuram attracts large crowds, making it one of the most vibrant community events of the year.

Ugadi marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year. The word “Ugadi” is derived from “Yuga + Aadi,” meaning “the beginning of a new age.” It is a day of new beginnings, hope, and reflection. People clean and decorate their homes, draw rangolis at the entrance, and wear new clothes. The Ugadi Pachadi, a symbolic dish made with tamarind, jaggery, neem flowers, salt, green chili, and raw mango, represents the six emotions of life — happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. Temples hold special poojas, and priests perform the Panchanga Sravanam, where the horoscope for the coming year is read. Cultural programs, poetry recitals, and classical music concerts are organized in Nellore city and nearby towns.

Sankranti, also known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Nellore. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. Farmers thank the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The festival spans three days — Bhogi, Makara Sankranti, and Kanuma. Bhogi: People light bonfires using old household items, symbolizing the end of the old and the welcoming of the new. Sankranti Day: Homes are decorated with colorful rangoli (muggulu), fresh harvest like sugarcane and turmeric are displayed, and traditional dishes like sweet Pongal and Ariselu are prepared. Kanuma and Mukkanuma: These days are dedicated to cattle and community gatherings. Farmers bathe and decorate their bulls and cows, feeding them special food as a gesture of gratitude. Special Attractions: Bullock cart races, kite flying, and folk dances are common in rural Nellore, adding color and joy to the celebrations.