Getting trampled under buffalo’s hooves to get absolved of sins

Pithapuram:  People will observe a strange tradition – getting trampled under the hooves of he-buffallo – in Ameenabada village of U kottapalli mandal in East Godavari district. 

People will take part in the ritual, which commences two days ahead of Telugu New Year Ugadi, with great enthusiasm.  As part of the annual local goddess festival Poleramma Jatara, the tradition is observed. 

Devotees feel as though they get trampled under the feet of the Goddess Poleramma, not that of the buffalo. At least people of 16 surrounding villages take part in the event. Also, devotees from far off places visit the village to fulfill their vows to the deity. The fair was celebrated on Thursday.  

People were seen lying on the cement road in front of the Poleramma temple in the village with their faces down. Amidst beating of Dappu, Ganachari, the temple priest, accompanied by the he-buffallo walked on the people quickly.

People raised slogans in support of the deity and felt as though they are absolved of their sins. Earlier, the buffalo was used to be sacrificed after the fair. Nowadays, the buffalo is being handed over to the police after the three-day fair. 

By Saride Nageswara Rao