Prabhala Theertham Declared a State Festival Says AP Chief Minister

The Andhra Pradesh government has accorded state festival status to Prabhala Theertham , a centuries-old traditional festival held at Jagannath Thota village in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the decision on Friday through a post on social media platform X , stating that the Cabinet has resolved to organise the festival officially every year.

Calling the move a tribute to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the Chief Minister said the decision reflects the government’s respect for traditions preserved by the people of Konaseema over generations. Prabhala Theertham , he noted, is not merely a religious event but a powerful symbol of Konaseema’s cultural identity, drawing devotees from across the State.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the festival, Mr. Naidu said the coming together of processional deities from 11 ancient Shiva temples at a single venue is a rare spiritual spectacle. The towering prabhalu elaborately crafted structures made of bamboo, colourful paper and illuminated with electric lights represent different forms of Lord Shiva and are offered ceremonial prayers by devotees.

The festival, held during the Sankranti season, attracts nearly five lakh devotees every year. The Chief Minister assured that the government would extend full support to ensure its smooth conduct, including the provision of infrastructure, security arrangements and adequate funding. He expressed confidence that granting state festival status would also boost cultural and spiritual tourism in the Konaseema region.

A Festival Rooted in History and Faith:

Prabhala Theertham has a history spanning nearly 400 years . It is celebrated annually on Kanuma , the third day of the Sankranti festival, at Mosalipalli near Amalapuram. According to legend, the festival symbolises the sacred gathering of Ekadasha Rudras —the 11 forms of Lord Shiva—at one place for the welfare of the world.

As part of the ritual, processional idols from 11 surrounding Shiva temples are brought in grand processions to Jagannath Thota in the form of massive prabhalu . These structures, ranging from 30 to 50 feet in height , are built in a temple-tower style using bamboo frames and decorated with flowers, peacock feathers and colourful ornaments.

Carrying the towering prabhalu on their shoulders, devotees travel through lush green fields and irrigation canals to reach the festival site. Local farmers firmly believe that the passage of Lord Shiva through their fields brings prosperity and ensures bountiful harvests.

With its recognition as a state festival, Prabhala Theertham is expected to gain wider prominence, preserving a unique spiritual tradition while strengthening the cultural fabric of Konaseema.