Allu Arjun’s stunning look from Pushpa 2: The Rule has Pushpa Raj, participating in the Gangamma Thalli Jatara festival in Tirupati, specifically taking on the Mathangi Vesham. This involves a look inspired by the goddess Gangamma. featuring him in an androgynous style with a pattu saree, blue body paint, and traditional accessories like nose pins, earrings, bangles, necklaces, and a lemon garland. In the song Daakko Daakko Meka, the Jatara is referenced in the lyrics.
Source: Screenshot from movie
Gangamma Thalli Jatara festival takes place in Tirupati every year between the first and second weeks of May. Goddess Gangamma is considered God Venkateshwara Balaji’s sister and is believed to protect the region from any harm. The festival is celebrated to praise the valorous act of Gangamma slaying Palegondulu and to punish him for his demonic character of outraging the modesty of women. So, dressing up as a woman to pay obeisance to the goddess is considered an ‘ode’ to womanhood.
The celebrations take place at the **Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple** in Tirupati
The festivities start with Chatimpu (official announcement) during midnight of 2nd Tuesday of the month of May. Traditionally town folk do not move out of the city during this period. This announcement is carried out by playing musical instruments known as Dappu.
The day after Chatimpu is Bhairagi Vesham. On this day, (Wednesday) people smear their body with white colour paste (Namam Kommu) and wear a garland made of “Rella kaya” (fruit). They will hold neem leaves with the hand and tie their waist with neem leaves. Devotees walk to the temple through the city and leave those neem leaves and Rella Kaya garland there at the temple after the darshan of the Goddess. Devotees will do such procession on each day for the rest of the festival duration.
The next day is Banda Vesham when devotees apply Kumkum paste and tie colourful ribbons around their heads.
This is followed by Thoti Vesham, when devotees cover themselves with charcoal and wear garlands made of neem leaves.
Next day is **Dora Vesham** when devotees use sandalwood paste and adorn themselves with garlands of neem leaves and lemons. The festival progresses to **Mathangi Vesham**, symbolizing Gangamma’s act of consoling the chieftain’s wife after her victory over Palegadu.
The next day, Sunnapu Kundalu when devotees wear white paste with charcoal dots and carry a pot around the temple.
The festival culminates on the seventh day with the Chempa Tholagimpu ritual, where at midnight, a clay idol is installed. The cheek of the clay idol is removed and distributed to devotees.
