Utsava: The festival
Utsava, the word means festival. Here we are speaking of the Utsava that takes place annually in the temples of Tulunadu. As the word itself suggests it is the annual festival. As per mythology one year for mankind is equal to one day for God. So, if we perform Utsava once a year, it is like performing daily for God. Utsava’s are celebrated in almost all the temples in Tulunadu; during Uttarayana(one half of the Hindu year), which is known to be day time for Gods. The time period varies from one day to one month in various temples. In many temples, Utsava starts with Dhwajarohana, hoisting of God’s flag on Kodimara(holy pole in front of the temple). Many rituals are conducted based on old practices of each temple(practices vary from temple to temple) during the period of Utsava such as Rathotsava(chariot festival), various special Pooja’s such as Ranga Pooja, Pusha Pooja, etc., Utsava bali(procession by holding God’s idol on head), Kattepooje,etc. Utsava’s normally end with Avabhruta