SOCIETY

Devotees throng three-day 'Roti' ritual to get their wishes fulfilled

     Nellore (Tamil Nadu): A unique three day ritual concluded in Nellore town on Thursday. The annual 'Rottela Panduga' or the 'Festival of Roti' as it is popularly known, started on the day of Muharram and lasted for three days. A 'Roti' is a hand rolled Indian bread and is a main food item in Indian cuisine. The 'Bara Shaheed Durgah' or the 'Mausoleum of the 12 Martyrs', where the ritual is held, is named after 12 soldiers who died in a war around 200 years ago. Both Hindus and Muslims believe that rotis made at this festival possess miraculous powers. "I came here for the first time to eat the 'roti'. I am suffering from joint pains for some time now. I went to many doctors who conducted numerous tests and X-rays on me, but it was of no use. I have faith in this ritual and that is why I decided to come here. I will try and come here next year also," said Lakshmi. Believers offer Roti to fulfill their wishes, from marriage to travelling abroad. Devotees whose wishes have been fulfilled get two Rotis, - one they offer to the God and the other one is given to somebody making a similar wish as their own. The devotees also take a dip in the mausoleum tank after offering their prayers. "I have come here after three years. It is much better now. People come here for children, health, marriage, job and so on. All their wishes are fulfilled by God's grace. This place is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. This year there are a lot of people here." said Sadik, a devotee. Every year the shrine is visited by thousands of devotees who come with a desire to get their wishes fulfilled.
-Feb 2, 2007    

Previous File               Current File