Jagan's

వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతము - (About varalakshmi vratam in Telugu)

2012-07-26T19:43:00.003+05:30

వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతము పూజ

వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతము శ్రవణ మాసము లో మహిళలు జరుపుకొనే ముఖ్యమైన పండుగ. ఈ మాసములో మహిళలు మంగళవారము నాడు మంగళగౌరీ వ్రతము,శుక్రవారము నాడు మహాలక్ష్మి పూజ జరుపుకుందురు.శ్రవణమాసము లో రెండోవ శుక్రవారము నాడు లేదా పౌర్ణమి ముందు రోజు వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతము జరుపుకుందురు.అలా వ్రతము చేసుకొనుట కుదరని వారు శ్రవణమాసము లో వేరే ఏ శుక్రవార మైన జరుపుకొన వచ్చును.ఈ వ్రతము చేసుకొనిన వారికీ లక్ష్మిదేవి వారి కోరికలను నెరవేర్చి సకల సంపదలను,ఆయుర్ఆరోగ్యాలను ప్రసాదించును.

ఈ వ్రతము దక్షణ భారతదేశము లో ప్రాచుర్యము పొందినది.ముక్యముగా ఆంధ్ర ప్రదేశ్,తమిళనాడు,కర్ణాటక రాష్ట్రములలో జరుపుకొందురు.కొత్తగా వివాహమైన మహిళలు తప్పక ఆచరించవలసిన వ్రతము.

శ్రవణమాసం మొదలయిన అప్పటి నుండి మహిళలు నూతన వస్త్రములు మరియు బంగారు ఆభరణములు కొనుగోలు చేయుదురు.లక్ష్మి దేవి కి సుబ్రత అన్న మిక్కిలి ఇష్టము.అందుచేతనే మహిళలు వ్రతము ముందు రోజు ఇంటిని సుబ్రపరచి గడపలకు పసుపురాసి కుంకుమ బొట్లు పెట్టెదరు.పూజ చేయు రోజు మహిళలు ప్రతఃకాలమున బ్రహ్మ గడియలలో లేచి స్నానమాచరించుదురు.పూజ చేయు ప్రదేశమున ముగ్గు పెట్టి అందులో ఒక చిన్న మండపమును నిర్మించెదరు.ముగ్గుపైన బియ్యము పోసి దానిపైన కలశమును వుంచెదరు.కలశము అనగా కొబ్బరికాయను ఉంచే పాత్ర. కొబ్బరికయకు పసుపు పూసి కుంకుమమ బొట్లు పెట్టి దానిపైన ఒక గుడ్డను టోపీ లాగా అమర్చేదరు.కొబ్బరికాయ చుట్టూ పూలతో బంగారముతో అలంకరించెదరు.వినాయకుని పూజతో వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతమును ప్రారంబిస్తారు.

ఒక రోజు పరమేశ్వరుడు కైలాసగిరిలో ఉన్నప్పుడు పార్వతి దేవి తన సుకసౌభాగ్యము కొరకు వ్రతమును గురించి అడుగగా పరమేశ్వరుడు వరలక్ష్మి పూజా కదను,విదానమును వివరించెను.

ఈ కధ విదర్భ రాజ్యంలో ఉన్న కుందినగరం అనే ఒక అందమైన పట్టణంలో జరుగుతుంది.ఆ కుందినగ్రం పట్టణం లో చారుమతి అనే భక్తురాలి కి ఆదిలక్ష్మికలలో కనిపించి తన కోరికలు తీర్చే వరలక్ష్మి వ్రతమును ఉపదేశించెను.చారుమతి మేల్కొని కల గురించి ఆమె భర్త కు చెబుతుంది. కొంతమంది పొరుగు మహిళలను ఆహ్వానిస్తుంది.చారుమతి స్నానమాచరించి , ఒక మండపం సిద్ధం చేసి వరలక్ష్మి దేవిని అత్యధికమైన విశ్వాసం మరియు భక్తి తో పూజించి ఈ క్రింది శ్లోకాన్ని పటించింది.

లక్ష్మి క్షీరసముద్ర రాజతన్యం శ్రీ రంగాధమేస్వరీం
దసిబూత సమస్త దేవవనితం లోకైక దీపంకురం
శ్రీ మనమంద కటాక్ష లబ్దివిభాట్ బ్రహ్మేంద్ర గంగాధరం
త్వంత్రయంలోక్యకుతుమ్భినీం ససిజవందేముకుండా ప్రియం.

తరువాత తన కుడి చేతికి తొమ్మిది తోరాలను కట్టుకుని లక్ష్మి దేవి కి నైవేద్యం సమర్పించింది.మొదటి తంతు పూర్తీ అయిన తరువాత ఆమెకు గజ్జెలు,ఇతర ఆభరణాలు లభ్యమయ్యాయి .రెండోవ తంతు ముగిసేసరికి చేతులకి నవరత్న కంకణములు వచ్చాయి.మూడోవ తంతు ముగిసేసరికి వెలకట్టలేనంత సంపద ప్రత్యక్షమయింది.చారుమతి బ్రాహ్మణులకు తాంబూలం సమర్పించుకుని,తీర్ధ ప్రసాదాలు బంధువులకు ఇచ్చి సంతోషముగా గడపసాగింది.అప్పటినుండి హిందూ మహిళలు ఈ వ్రతమును అత్యంత భక్తీ శ్రధలతో ఆచరిస్తారు.దేనితో పరమేశ్వరుడు కధను ముగించినాడు.

వరలక్ష్మి అత్యంత హిందూమత కుటుంబాల గృహ దేవత.నాలుగు చేతులతో, బంగారు ఛాయతో పూర్తిగా పుష్పించిన ఎరుపు తామర పువ్వు ఫై కూర్చొని లేదా నిలబడినట్లు చిత్రించినారు.తామర సంతానోత్పత్తి, స్వచ్ఛత మరియు అందం సూచిస్తుంది.ఆమె నాలుగు చేతులు జీవితం నుండి ధర్మానికి, కోరిక, సంపద మరియు విముక్తి సూచించును.బంగారు నాణాలు ఆమె చేతినుండి రాలటం ఆమె భక్తుల సంపద మరియు దైవ దీవెనలు సూచిస్తుంది,లక్ష్మిదేవి బంగారు చేనేత ఎరుపు చీర ధరించి కనిపిస్తుంది.రుపు అదృష్టం సూచిస్తుంది మరియు బంగారు సంపద సూచిస్తుంది. ఆమె ఎల్లప్పుడూ సంపన్నమైన బంగారు ఆభరణాల తో కనిపిస్తుంది. కొన్ని వర్గాలలో వరలక్ష్మివ్రతం వంటి సందర్భంలోనే బంగారు ఆభరణాల కొనుగోలు ధోరణి కూడా ఉంది.

"ఓం రిం శ్రీం లక్ష్మిభ్యో నమః"

Toli Ekadasi (తొలి ఏకాదశి)

2012-06-30T16:50:00.000+05:30

Toli Ekadasi (తొలి ఏకాదశి)is considered as the first festival of coastal Andhra Pradesh.Ekadasi is also known as Deva Sahayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadasi and the Chatur Mas Vrat (Four Holy Months in Hinduism) begins from the day.The night time of Devas begins on this day and is believed that Lord Vihnu goes to sleep from the day.

Toli Ekadasi is celebrated in Coastal Region of Andhra Pradesh,in the month of may or early part of june.

Toli Ekadasi is regarded as a very sacred day to Farmers.This festivals replicates Eruvaka festival that is celebrated by farmers.Farmers sow seeds after the first rain on the day of Toli Ekadasi.This festival is marked with pooja of all agricultural implements.As this is a sacred festival for farmers,people who want to get into farming are imposed on this day.

The farmers fast on this sacred day to pay their homage and break the fast at the dawn commensing with a pooja and eat fruits after the fast.

It is believed that by praying on Toli Ekadasi will help a person from redumption if sins.

MEDITATION ON VISHNU
Om sāntākāram bhujaga-shayanam padma-nābham suresham

vishvādhāram gagana-sadrisham megha-varnam sabhāngam

Lakshmi-kāntam kamala-nayanam yogi-vidya dhyāna-gamyam

vande Vishnum bhava-bhaya-haram sarva-lokaika-nātham

I salute Vishnu, the sole master of the universe, whose presence is very peaceful, who stretches Himself on a serpent-bed, who sports a lotus in His navel, who is the one lord of all the Devas, who is the support of the worlds, who is subtle and all-pervading like the sky, whose complexion is like that of the clouds, whose form is very beautiful, who is the consort of Sri, whose eyes are like lotus petals, who is meditated upon by yogis and who eradicates the fear of samsara.

śuklāṁbaradharaṁ viṣṇuṁ śaśivarṇaṁ caturbhujam |

prasannavadanaṁ dhyāyet sarvavighnōpaśāṁtaye || 1 ||

Dressed in white you are,

oh,all prevading one,

and glowing with the colour of moon.

With four arms,you are,the all knowing one

I meditate on your ever-smiling face,

and pray,romove all obstacles on my way.

Biggest, Highest and Largest in India

2012-05-08T13:01:00.001+05:30

Highest Award	Bharat Ratna
Highest Gallantry Award	Param Vir Chakra
Longest River in India	The Ganges
Longest Tributary river of India	Yamuna
Largest Lake	Wular Lake, Kashmir
Largest Lake (Saline Water)	Chilka Lake, Orrisa
Largest Man-Made Lake	Govind Vallabh Pant Sagar (Rihand Dam)
Largest Fresh Water Lake	Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
Highest Lake	Devtal Lake, Gadhwal (Uttarakhand)
Highest Peak	Karkoram-2 of K-2(8,611 meters) Highest Peak in the world is Mount Everest which is in Nepal
Largest Populated City	Mumbai
Largest State	Rajasthan
Highest rainfall	Cherrapunhi (426 inches per annum)
Highest Watefall	Gersoppar Waterfall (292 meters high) in Mysore
State wise largest area under forest	Madhya Pradesh
Largest Delta	Sunderbans Delta
Largest River without Delta	Narmada and Tapti
Longest Cantilever Span bridge	Howrah Bridge
Longest River Bridge	Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Patna
Biggest Cave temple	Ellora
Longest Road	Grand Trunk Road
Highest Road	Road at Khardungla,(in Leh-Manali Sector)
Biggest Mosque	Jama Masjid at Delhi
Highest Gateway	Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri (53.6 meters high)
Tallest Statue	Statue of Gomateshwar (17 meters high In Karnataka
Largest Public Sector Bank	State Bank of India
Longest Canal	Indira Gandhi Canal or Rajasthan Canal (Rajasthan)
Largest Dome	Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur
Largest Zoo	Zoological Garden at Alipur (Kolkata)
Largest Museum	India Museum at Kolkata
Longest Dam	Hirakud Dam (Orrisa)
Highest Dam	Bhakra Dam ( 225.5 meters high)
Highest Tower	Kutab Minar at Delhi (88.4 meters high)
Largest Desert	Thar (Rajasthan)
Largest District	Ladakh
Fastest Train	Shatabadi Express running between New Delhi and Bhopal
State with the longest coastline	Gujarat
State with the longest coastline of South India	Andhra Pradesh
Longest Electric Railway Line	From Delhi to Kolkata via Patna
Longest Railway Route	From Jammu to Kanyakumari
Longest Railway Platform	Kharagpur (W. Bengal)
Longest Platform	Kharagpur (West Bengal) 833 meters in Length. It is also the longest railway station in world
Longest Tunnel	Jawahar tunnel (Jammu & Kashmir)
Longest Highway	NH-7 which turns from Varanasi to Kanyakumari
Smallest State (Population)	Sikkim
Smallest State (Area)	Goa
Largest State (Area)	Rajasthan
Largest State (Population)	Uttar Pradesh
Densest Populated State	West Bengal
Largest Cave	Amarnath (J&K)
Largest Cave Temple	Kailash Temple, Ellora (Maharastra)
Largest Animal Fair	Sonepur (Bihar)
Largest Auditorium	Sri Shanmukhanand Hall (Mumbai)
Biggest Hotel	Oberai-Sheraton (Mumbai)
Largest Port	Mumbai
Largest Gurudwara	Golden Temple, Amritsar
Deepest River Valley	Bhagirathi & Alaknanda
Largest Church	Saint Cathedral (Goa)
Oldest Church	St. Thomas Church at Palayar, Trichur (Kerala)
Longest River	Ganga (2640 km long)
Longest Beach	Marina Beach, Chennai
Highest Battle Field	Siachin Glacier
Highest Airport	Leh (Laddakh)
Biggest Stadium	Yuva Bharti (Salt Lake) Stadium, Kolkata
Largest River Island	Majuli (Brahmaputra River, Asom)
Largest Planetarium	Birla Planetarium (Kolkata)

Traditional Andhra Sweets

2012-04-02T14:45:00.002+05:30

Mamidi Tandra, Pootarekulu, Kakinada Kaja.

Mamidi Tandra is a traditional Indian snack. It is a fruit leather made out of mango pulp mixed with concentrated sugar solution and sun dried. It is a part of the South Indian and North Indian cuisine and is available is numerous varieties all over india. Mamidi Tandra is sweet, although it is available in different other tastes. It can be preserved for months making it popular in the off season of mangoes. A village named Atryapuram in Rajahmundry is popular for mamidi tandra.

Mango pulp is mixed with potassium metabisulfite and spread on trays to dry in the sun. After the first layer dries, another layer is spread over it and allowed to dry. The process is repeated until the desired thickness is reached. The thickness varies depending upon the quality of mango pulp used. When this thickness is reached the Mamadi Tandra is cut into pieces and wrapped in oiled paper or into different packages. Mamidi Tandra is widely exported .

Pootarekulu making is an art and many households in Godavari districts have mastered. Pootharekulu or Paper sweet is very famous sweet of Telugu people. It is made with thin and transparent papers rolled with sugar and ghee. A special variety of rice called Jaya and a special pot are required to make this sweet.

This pot is heated on fire lit with palm leaves. The rice of jaya variety is soaked for 2-3 hours. Then its finely ground into liquidy mixture. It is just like starch water. The Pot specially made for making this paper sheets is put inverted on the low fire made with palm leaves. A fine muslin cloth of handkerchief size is dipped in the starch water and quickly pulled on the hot pot . Due to heat this starch comes out as a thin and transparent paper. This paper sheets or pootharekulu are later rolled with sugar or jaggery.

Atreyapuram a small village in East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh is very famous for pootharekulu. Here every women in the village is busy with preparation of pootharekulu which are exported to different states of the country and also abroad.

It has become a cottage industry and has been flourishing here for almost three generations. Apparently, one old lady while cooking suddenly hit up on the idea of making good use of starch that come when cooking rice. She extracted it, added sugar and ghee to it and thus was born the humnble Pootarekulu.

Kaja is sweet made from Refined wheat flour, sugar and edible oils . It is made and eaten all throughout Indian subcontinent, though it is known by different names. Khaja of Kakinada, a coastal town of Andhra Pradesh, is very famous. Khaja of Tapeswaram is also famous. First, a paste is made out of wheat flour, mawa, and oil. Then it is deep fried until crisp. Then a sugar syrup is made which is known as "Pak or pakkam". The crisp croissants are then soaked in the sugar syrup until they absorb the sugar syrup. The specialty of Khaja is that it is dry and smooth from the outside and full of sugar, syrup, and spices on the inside and is very juicy. It melts as soon as one puts it in one's mouth.In South India similar variety of sweet is prepared, it is known as Badusahi or Padusahi. The same kind of Sweet when stuffed with stuffing made of dryfruit etc., it is known as Chandrakala (half round) or Suryakala (Full round).

Gurajada Apparao - Biography

2012-03-13T18:15:00.004+05:30

Gurajada Venkata Apparao (1862-1915) was a Telugu poet and writer of Andhra Pradesh, India. He wrote the first Telugu play, Kanyasulkam, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language. Gurajada Apparao was an influential social reformer of his age and was lauded as Mahakavi, meaning "the great poet".

He frequently dabbled in poetry, and is credited with creating a new style of poetry in the Telugu Language. He also holds the titles Kavishekara and Abyudaya kavitha pithamahudu.

Sri Gurajada Apparao was a social reformer, poet, writer, philosopher, and a friend. He was born in Rayavaram of Visakhapatnam distt.. He graduated from the Maharaja's College (MR COLLEGE) of Vizianagaram, the so called VIDYANAGARAM of ANDHRA where he synthesized de novo the greatest of his writings which are superb, unforgettable, and immortal. "Desamante Mattikadoy - Desamante Manushuloy" has had been shacking the hearts of every Telugu soul, whether literate or illiterate.

The style of Gurajada's poetry, neither pedantic nor enigmatic, but was the purest, crystal clear, lucid, and vivaceous. His poems awaken the weeklings even and energize them. Gurajada's intellectual creativity gave us a keepsake, historical landmark, and a precious literary diamond - "KANYASULKAM" play.

It is one and the only book in Telugu in which dedication and preface were written in English (there may be others in existence, but they mushroomed afterwards). On the 13th of August, 1992, "Kanyasulkam" celebrated its 100th birthday, eversince it was staged for the first time.

"Kanyasulkam" centenary celebrations were held at Gurajada's residence in Vizianagaram. Poets and writers from various places in Andhra held literary discourses on Gurajada's works. On the 76th death anniversary of Sri Gurajada, Sri Jonnalagadda Somayajulu and his party performed the "Kanyasulkam" play. Sri Jonnalagadda Ramanamurty, well known for his Girisam role in the play, was honored.

Sri Gurajada wrote the "Kanyasulkam" in 1892 for an excellent cause - social reformism. Girls at ten years of age were married to men of 65 years of age or older in return the girls' parents used to receive a sum of Rs 1000/- or more. This unfortunate act of selling young girls who did not either attain mental maturity or puberty to men (ready to be buried under 6 feet of mud) performed by their ignorant parents can be envisioned in this play, even now. No where in this entire world, a play like this or similar to this, was ever written.

One will be surprised to know that the era of Modern Telugu Literature was born from Gurajada's pen and his "Kanyasulkam". "Kanyasulkam" was performed for the first time by the "Jagannadha Vilasini Sabha" of Vizianagaram in 1892.

Early life and education

Two dates of birth (according to western calendar) have been calculated based on Gurajada's horoscope, viz., Nov.30, 1861 and Sept. 21, 1862. Apparently, his descendants prefer the second date. Gurajada was born at his maternal uncle's home in Rayavaram village near Yelamanchili Visakhapatnam district. His parents were Venkata Rama Dasu and Kausalyamma, from a Niyogi Telugu Brahmin family. He had a younger brother by name Syamala Rao. Gurazada's ancestors seem to have moved to Kalinga region from Gurazada village in Krishna district. (hence the family name?) Venkata Rama Dasu worked as a PeshkAr, Revenue Supervisor, and Khiledar in the Vizianagaram Samsthanam. He was well educated and had a good command in Sanskrit. He died in an accident while crossing a small river Utagedda near Vizianagaram.

Gurajada lived most of his life in and around Vizianagaram in what was then called as kalinga rajyam. He and his father before him were both employed by the princely state of Vizianagaram. Gurazada enjoyed a close relationship with the ruling family during his adult life.

Gurajada had his initial schooling (till age 10) in Cheepurupalli while his father was working there. His remaining schooling was done at Vizianagaram after his father died. During that time, he lived in relative poverty and maintained himself as a varalabbayi. He was generously taken care of by the then M.R. College Principal, C. Chandrasekhara Sastri who provided him free lodging and boarding. He completed his metriculation in 1882 and obtained F.A. in 1884. Soon after, he was employed as a teacher in M.R. High School in 1884 with a salary of Rs.25.

Career

In 1887, Gurajada spoke at a Congress Party meeting in Vizianagaram. His daughter OlETi lakshmee narasamma was born in 1887. He was simultaneously involved in social work and became a member of the Voluntary Service Corps in Visakhapatnam in 1888. He was elected vice-president of the Ananda Gajapati Debating club in 1889. His son Venkata Ramadasu was born in 1890. In 1891 he was promoted to Lecturer (Level III) with a salary of Rs.125. He taught the F.A. and B.A. classes several subjects including English Grammar, Sanskrit Literature, Translation, Greek and Roman Histories. His younger brother Syamala Rao died in 1892 while studying at Madras Law College.

In the previous ten years, Gurajada Appa Rao (along with brother Syamala Rao) had been writing several English poems. His Sarangadhara, published in "Indian Leisure Hour" was well received. The editor of the Culcutta based "Rees and Ryot" Sambhu Chandra Mukherji read it and re-published it in his magazine. He encouraged Gurajada in many ways. While praising Gurajada's talent, he actually encouraged him to write in Telugu. He told Gurajada that however talented he might become in English, it is still a foreign tongue and that he would scale greater heights if he chose to compose in Telugu. Gurajada too was gradually coming to this conclusion. During this period, it is also said that Gurajada was also in correspondence with a British Journalist and author. Gundukurti Venkata Ramanayya, editor of the "Indian Leisure Hour" encouraged Gurazada greatly during the same period. In 1891, Gurajada was appointed to the post of Epigraphist (saMsthAna SAsana pariSOdhaka) to the Maharaja of Vizianagaram.

Literary career

In 1892, Gurajada's celebrated drama "Kanyasulkam" was staged for the first time. It became an instant hit. It was the first Telugu drama expressly written in spoken dialect. Prior to that, there were dramas that employed spoken dialect in a few parts of the drama. Vedam Venkata raya Sastri wrote a very popular drama "Prataparudreeyam," where he followed the Sanskrit example in allowing the so-called "lower" characters to use spoken dialect while the so-called "upper" characters used chaste literary dialect. Veeresalimgam Pantulu wrote some dramas, notably "Brahma vivahamu," with some spoken dialect content. This drama was written more as an accessory to his crusade against social evils than for literary enjoyment. The Kanyasulkam was the first to achieve both the aims. And an unparalleled achievement it was! The success of Kanyasulkam encouraged Gurajada to open up and seek out others with similar views. He came in contact with several contemporary luminaries. The rumbling sounds of movement to support spoken dialect as a platform for literary activity were gathering around that time. Gurajada's childhood friend and classmate in Chipurupalli, Gidugu Rammurty (1863–1940) was the leading light of this school of thought. The highly successful staging of Kanyasulkam gave this movement a big boost. It conclusively showed that works that have undisputed literary value and are very popular could be composed in spoken dialects. Even the opponents of the spoken dialect movement such as kaseebhatta brahmayya Sastri had to concede that the kanyASulkaM has a significant literary merit. The success made Gurajada a sort of celebrity. He was being sought after for literary events and for reviewing other literary works.

He also wrote the great Telugu patriotic song Desamunu Preminchumanna in 1910. The following lines appears in his poetry Desamunu Preminchumanna - Desamante matti kaadoyi, desamante manushuloyi meaning, A country is not made of land; a country is made of its people.

Magazine

In 1896, Gurajada tried to establish a magazine by name "prakASika." In 1897, kanyASulkaM was published (by Vavilla Ramaswamy Sastrulu and Sons, Madras) and was dedicated to Maharaja Ananda Gajapati. In the same year, the prince died following a brief illness without leaving a successor. After this, Gurajada was appointed as personal secretary and advisor to the Maharani of Reeva (Appala Kondamamba - sister of Anada Gajapati). Gurajada had his second daughter (third child) PuligeDDa Kondayyamma in 1902. In 1903, a court case was filed challenging the right of Ananda Gajapati's mother (alaka rAjESvari) to adopt an heir to the throne of the principality. Gurajada was put in charge of taking care of all the legal proceedings. The case dragged on for many years and ended in an out of court settlement in 1913.

In 1905, Gurajada's mother died. In 1906, his close friend P.T. Srinivasa Iyyangar, principal of Mrs. A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam started an association to promote curriculum reform in high schools. One of the chief aims was to introduce spoken dialects. Along with him, J.A. Yates (1874–1951) -a British civil servant, Gidugu and Gurajada were the principal members. Another friend S. Srinivasa Iyengar (1874–1941) also gave a lot of support and encouragement. Incidentally, this Srinivasa Iyengar was a well-known lawyer and was the President of AICC (All India Congress Committee) annual session at Guahati in 1926.

1908 Congress session at MadrasGurajada attended the 1908 Congress session at Madras. Gurajada developed some health problems and took some time off to convalesce at the Nilgiri hills. While taking rest, he got around to preparing the second edition of kanyasulakam and published it in 1909. This edition was completely revised and greatly expanded compared to the original version. It is this edition that made the drama a truly outstanding work of art. Each character developed a life of its own and they all came together in an unforgettable comedy. The next year, he participated in a community meal at Berhampur where people of various classes and castes shared the same food and ate together. Around this time, Gurajada started writing very prolifically and composed several poems, songs and short stories. These works are among the most famous in Telugu literature.

In 1911, he was appointed to the Board of Studies by Madras University. The same year, Gurajada and his friends started the Andhra Sahitya Parishat to promote the use of spoken dialects. The next year, he was invited to attend the meeting of the bangeeya sAhitya pariShat (Bengal Literary Association) at Culcutta.

The same year, his second patron, Maharani of Reeva died.

Personal life

He was married to Appala Narasamma in 1885. In the mean time, he continued his studies and graduated with B.A. (Philosophy major and Sanskrit minor) in 1886. For some period during 1886, he worked as Head Clerk in the Deputy Collector's office. On Vijayadasami day, 1887, he joined as a Lecturer (Level IV) in M.R. College with a salary of Rs.100. Around the same time, he was introduced to Maharajah Pusapati Ananda Gajapati Raju (1850–1897). This prince had a significant role in encouraging the arts and education in these parts of the country. Gurajada gradually developed a cordial relationship with the prince. This association led to his involvement with the princely family for a long time.

Retirement
Gurajada took retirement in 1913 with a pension of Rs.140. Madras University honoured him by making him a "Fellow." His health started deteriorating slowly. He was left with nothing but a rupee. After a few months of illness and poverty, Gurajada died in 1915.

"Desamante Mattikadoy - Desamante Manushuloy"

Popular Telugu proverbs

2011-11-23T13:28:00.004+05:30

1)Mohamataniki poyi munda kadupu techukundanta
Mohamataniki poyi munda kadupu techukundanta It is to criticise
some one who is too shy & submissive. It literally translates to
"being too submissive, a widow gets pregnant".
It is to be understood that an Indian widow,
in olden days was not supposed to get married again.
This proverb is used when some one is too submissive
&succumbs to others demands or orders against his own will.

2)Kukka katuki cheppu debba - కుక్క కాటుకి చెప్పు దెబ్బ
The meaning of this proverb is that one should respond with appropriate measure to
any unethical or unreasonable action by your opponent instead of being submissive or cowered.

Literal translation: Kukka katu = a dogs bite, cheppu = footwear, debba = slap,hit.

An equivalent saying in english would be ' Tit for tat'.

3)Thinninti vaasaalu lekkapettu - తిన్నింటి వాసాలు లెక్కపెట్టు
This proverb is used when someone who is trusted and helped by a person , cheats his/her benefactor.

The origin of the proverb is rooted in the telugu folklore. The background of the proverb
comes from the relationship of a host and a guest. If a stranger is given hospitality
by a kind person, s/he starts counting the vasaalu( bamboo bars) used in
the construction of a house/thatched hut.

It means that after having his/her meals the person is eyeing for something more.

Thinniti=Host's house , vaasaalu=Bamboo bars , lekkapettu=counting

4)Alasyam amrutam visham - ఆలస్యం ఆమృతం విషం
The literal meaning of the proverb is , if you make delay even ambrosia turns into poison.

It is used to emphasize the importance of time and punctuality in our lives.
If we don't do the right thing at RIGHT time, it no longer remains as a right thing.

5)Parigetti Paalu Thaage Kante Nilchuni Neellu Thaagatam Melu
It is better to have water at your place, rather than run and have milk

Make use of the available things first before you run for the unavailable

6)Siggu Leni Vaadiki Navve Singharam
The literal meaning of the proverb is , Laughter is the ornament for the shameless.

It is used to describe the person who ,after doing something wrong ,
laughs instead of feeling shameful for what he has done.

7)Subham Palakara Pellikodaka Ante PelliKuturu Munda Ekkada Chachindi Annadanta
After marriage the bridegroom says the word Subham in Telugu culture to signify
the end of the ceremony.
The proverb is used to describe a person with a negative attitude and when doing
something is very pessimistic about it.

8)Pichuka Meeda Brahmastram
The literal meaning of the proverb is , using Brahmastram on a small bird.

Pichuka means a small bird (sparrow). Brahmastram is the most powerful weapon
according to Hindu mythology.The proverb refers to situations where one uses
disproportionately excessive force on a weak opponent. For example,
situations where a Govt. decides to use extensive military to
crackdown on unarmed and peaceful protestors.

9)Koose Gadida Vachi Mese Gaadidani Chedakottindi Anta
The literal meaning of the proverb is , the braying donkey comes and disturbs the grazing donkey.

It is used to describe people who are not productive (the braying donkey),
but go around disturbing others who are doing something more productive
(the grazing donkey). Well, it presupposes that grazing is more productive than braying!

10)Nidra poye vadini nidra leppochu kani; Nidra poyinnatu natinche vadini nidra lepalem
Meaning: You can wake up someone who is sleeping; It is impossible to wake up
a person who is pretending to be asleep

Context: You can convince someone who is sincere, but impossible to convince
someone who is pretending to be sincere.

11)Pommana leka poga pettinattlu
pommana leka poga pettinattlu - పొమ్మనలేక పొగ పెట్టినట్లు

Literal translation is: "Instead of directly asking someone to leave, making them leave
by starting some smoke", referring to indirect actions in place of direct words.

Can also be used when someone.. "When someone cannot convince another person in any way,
he will convince him forcibly"

12)Minga metukuledu meesalaki sampenga nune ani
The context where this fits correctly is where we don't have the basic amenities,
but we look for luxuries.....

word to word meaning:
Minga = to eat, methuku = single unit of rice, ledu = not there ,meesalaku = to the moustache,
sampenga = an aromatic flower from which oil can be made, nune = oil

Put together we don't have a single rice grain to eat,but we want the aromatic oil for the moustache...

13)Poruginti pulla koora ruchi
English Equivalent: Grass on the other side is greener.

literal meaning: Neighbor's side dish is always tastier.

14)Chinta chachina pulupu chaavaledu ani
Literal translation: Even if a tamarind is of no use the pungent taste it contains never dies.
Meaning: A person can be down and out in his life but the arrogance
and the pesky nature never dies in him.

15)Donga Munda Pelliki Chavu Mellam
Literal Translation :To the marriage of a unfit bride a funeral orchestra joins.

Meaning: To do a unnecessary work being done by a vagabond another one joins/supports.

Another version of this proverb is Kukka Muddi Pandi Nakindi

16)Andite juttu andaka pothe kaalu
Literal translation: If possible (go for) hair, if not (go for) feet.

This refers to situations where someone is willing to do anything to get one's way.
Grabbing hair refers to use of force while going for feet refers to pleading.
So, the overall idea is - if use of force doesnt work, beg & plead.

17)Yenki pelli subbi chaavu kochindi
Literal translation: Yenki's ( a persons name) marriage has resulted in
Subbi's ( a persons name)death.
Meaning: A person is suffering to the maximum because of somebody else's cause.

18)Intlo puli veedilo pilli
Literal translation: A Tiger at home, but a cat outdoors. Refers to people's inconsistent behavior
in their comfort zone vs. other areas. Tiger implies confident and aggressive behavior,
while cat refers to meek and timid behavior. So, the proverb suggests that one behaves
confidently at home (tiger when indoors) but gets all meeka and timid outside (the cat outdoors)

19)Toorpu tirigi dhandam pettu
Literal translation: Turn East and pr Used to indicate that all options in a given situation are exhausted,
and the last resort is to just pray and hope for divine intervention. (Hindu prayers are done facing east).
It is like saying "Tried everything, all we can do now is turn east and pray".

20)Modatikae mosam moguda ante pesarapappu pellama annattu
Literal translation : Wife says its getting impossible (financially) and husband asks
for green gram (a kind of lentils, considered premium).

Indicates someone being out of touch with reality. It is similar to the quote attributed
to Marie Antoinette about asking people to eat cake when they have no bread .

21)Illalakagane pandaga kaadu
It is a general practice to clean the house on a festival day apart from other things.
Here it means that , if you have finished painting your home, it does not mean that
the festival is over. This is similar to saying, if you have read 10 answers,
it does not mean you have got A grade in exams.

22)Aadadi tirigi chaedutundi, Magavaadu tiragaka chaedataadu
Broadly, this translates to - A woman gets corrupted with too much socializing,
and Man gets corrupted with too little. In current day, this would be exist
and inappropriate. The intended message is more on the lines of :
Women spending too much time outside home (ala socializing, gossiping etc.)
are no good, while for a man spending too much time at home
(not being out there and winning the bread, probably) aint no good.

23)Mose vadiki telsu kaavadi baruvu...మోసే వాడికి తెల్సు కావడి బరువు...
Literally, this proverb means person carrying the sedan chair (a type of human powered transport)
knows the weight of it. this can be used in the context of explaining the pain or struggle of
an individual who takes huge responsibility onto himself.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs remembered 1955 -2011

2011-10-07T14:02:00.004+05:30

Steve Jobs 1955 -2011

Apple MAC Book

Apple I POD

Apple I PHONE

Apple I PAD

Steven Paul "Steve" Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) was an American computer entrepreneur and innovator. He was co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Jobs also previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney. He was credited in Toy Story (1995) as an executive producer.

In the late 1970s, Jobs—along with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula and others—designed, developed, and marketed one of the first commercially successful lines of personal computers, the Apple II series. In the early 1980s, Jobs was among the first to see the commercial potential of Xerox PARC's mouse-driven graphical user interface, which led to the creation of the Macintosh. After losing a power struggle with the board of directors in 1985, Jobs resigned from Apple and founded NeXT, a computer platform development company specializing in the higher-education and business markets. Apple's subsequent 1996 buyout of NeXT brought Jobs back to the company he co-founded, and he served as its CEO from 1997 until August 2011.

In 1986, he acquired the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm Ltd, which was spun off as Pixar Animation Studios. He remained CEO and majority shareholder at 50.1 percent until its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company in 2006.Consequently Jobs became Disney's largest individual shareholder at 7 percent and a member of Disney's Board of Directors.On August 24, 2011, Jobs announced his resignation from his role as Apple's CEO.

On October 5, 2011, Jobs died in California at age 56, seven years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.The cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed,but is generally believed to be pancreatic cancer.At the time of his resignation, and again after his death, he was widely described as a visionary,pioneer and genius perhaps one of the foremost in the field of business, innovation, and product design, and a man who had "profoundly" changed the face of the modern world, revolutionized at least six different industries, and an "exemplar for all chief executives".His death was widely mourned and considered a loss to the world by commentators across the globe.

A story of two friends

2011-09-30T15:35:00.001+05:30

Facts about India

2011-09-30T11:48:00.001+05:30

•India never invaded any country in her last 100000 years of history.

•When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization)

•The name ‘India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.

•The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name ‘Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.

•Chess was invented in India.•Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies, which originated in India.

•The ‘Place Value System’ and the ‘Decimal System’ were developed in India in 100 B.C.

•The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara Temple at Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The shikhara of the temple is made from a single 80-tonne piece of granite. This magnificent temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola.

•India is the largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest Country in the world, and one of the most ancient civilizations.

•The game of Snakes & Ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called ‘Mokshapat’. The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. In time, the game underwent several modifications, but its meaning remained the same, i.e. good deeds take people to heaven and evil to a cycle of re-births.

•The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1893 after leveling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.

•India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.

•The largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways, employing over a million people.

•The world’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

•Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The Father of Medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.

•India was one of the richest countries till the time of British rule in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus, attracted by India’s wealth, had come looking for a sea route to India when he discovered America by mistake.

•The Art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh over 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘NAVGATIH’. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.

•Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the Sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. According to his calculation, the time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun was 365.258756484 days.

•The value of “pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, long before the European mathematicians.

•Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus also originated in India.Quadratic Equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 1053 (i.e. 10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C.during the Vedic period.Even today, the largest used number is Terra: 1012(10 to the power of 12).

•Until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds in the world. (Source: Gemological Institute of America).

•The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.

•Sushruta is regarded as the Father of Surgery. Over2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones, plastic surgery and brain surgeries.

•Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient Indian medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism,physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.

•India exports software to 90 countries.

•The four religions born in India – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are followed by 25% of the world’s population.

•Jainism and Buddhism were founded in India in 600 B.C. and 500 B.C. respectively.

•Islam is India’s and the world’s second largest religion.

•There are 300,000 active mosques in India, more than in any other country, including the Muslim world.

•The oldest European church and synagogue in India are in the city of Cochin. They were built in 1503 and 1568 respectively.

•Jews and Christians have lived continuously in India since 200 B.C. and 52 A.D. respectively

•The largest religious building in the world is Angkor Wat, a Hindu Temple in Cambodia built at the end of the 11th century.

•The Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupathi built in the 10th century, is the world’s largest religious pilgrimage destination. Larger than either Rome or Mecca, an average of 30,000 visitors donate $6 million (US) to the temple everyday.

•Sikhism originated in the Holy city of Amritsar in Punjab. Famous for housing the Golden Temple, the city was founded in 1577.

•Varanasi, also known as Benaras, was called “the Ancient City” when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C., and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.

•India provides safety for more than 300,000 refugees originally from Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who escaped to flee religious and political persecution.

•His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, runs his government in exile from Dharmashala in northern India.

•Martial Arts were first created in India, and later spread to Asia by Buddhist missionaries.

•Yoga has its origins in India and has existed for over 5,000 years.

Article Source: National Portal Content Management Team

Aadhaar Card

2011-04-19T17:20:00.057+05:30

Unique Identification Authority of India

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is an agency of the Government of India responsible for implementing the envisioned Multipurpose National Identity Card or Unique Identification card (UID Card) project in India. It was established in February 2009, and will own and operate the Unique Identification Number database. The authority will aim at providing a unique number to all Indians, but not smart cards. The authority would provide a database of residents containing very simple data in biometrics.

The agency is headed by a chairman, who holds a cabinet rank. The UIDAI is part of the Planning Commission of India. Nandan Nilekani, a former co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, was appointed as the first Chairman of the authority in June 2009. Ram Sewak Sharma, an IAS Officer of Jharkhand Government cadre has been appointed as the Director General and Mission Director of the Authority. He is known for his best effort in e-Governance project for Jharkhand State and working as an IT secretary he received a number of awards for best Information Technology Trends State in India.

Launch

UIDAI launched AADHAAR program in the tribal village, Tembhli, in Shahada, Nandurbar, Maharashtra on 29th September, 2010. The program was inaugurated by Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.The first resident to receive an AADHAAR was Rajana Sonawane of Tembhli village.

Coverage, goals and logistics

It is believed that Unique National IDs will help address the rigged state elections, widespread embezzlement that affects subsidies and poverty alleviation programs such as NREGA. Addressing illegal immigration into India and terrorist threats is another goal of the program.Most reports suggest that the plan is for each Indian citizen to have a unique identification number with associated identifying biometric data and photographs by 2011. However, other reports claim that obtaining a unique number would be voluntary, but those that opt to stay out of the system "will find it very inconvenient: they will not have access to facilities that require you to cite your ID number."

Government issued IDs are fragmented by purpose and region in India, which results in widespread bribery, denial of public services and loss of income, especially afflicting poor citizens. As the unique identity database comes into existence, the various identity databases (voter ID, passports, ration cards, licenses, fishing permits, border area id cards) that already exist in India are planned to be linked to it. The Authority is liaising with various national, state and local government entities to begin this process. The Union Labor Ministry has offered its verified Employment Provident Fund (EPFO) database of 42 million citizens as the first database to be integrated into the unique ID system.

Other UID projects implemented on a smaller scale in India can also facilitate in the development of the national project. An example is a project developed by Wolf Frameworks Cloud Computing vendor and Social Education and Development Society (SEDS) for profiling and generating Unique Identification for more than 40,000 members in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

The UID will link a person's Passport Number, Driving License, PAN card, Bank Accounts, Address, Voter ID, etc and all this information will be checked through a database. So, for example, if someone has different addresses on PAN and driving license, is liable to get caught. Those who will opt out of this program will have much inconvenience in doing business, operating bank accounts and other offices which will require a UID.

UIDAI has headquarters in Delhi and a technology centre in Bangalore. It also has 6 regional offices in Chandigarh, Delhi, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Name and logo

UID project is known as AADHAAR meaning 'support' or 'foundation', and its logo is a yellow sun with a fingerprint embedded in its centre.

FAQ

What is Aadhaar?

Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique number which the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will issue for all residents. The number will be stored in a centralised database and linked to the basic demographics and biometric information – photograph, ten fingerprints and iris – of each individual. The details of the data fields and verification procedures are available here.

Aadhaar will be:
Easily verifiable in an online, cost-effective way
Unique and robust enough to eliminate the large number of duplicate and fake identities in government and private databases
A random number generated, devoid of any classification based on caste, creed, religion and geography.

Why Aadhaar?

Aadhaar-based identification will have two unique features:

Universality, which is ensured because Aadhaar will over time be recognised and accepted across the country and across all service providers.

Every resident's entitlement to the number.

The number will consequently form the basic, universal identity infrastructure over which Registrars and Agencies across the country can build their identity-based applications.

Unique Identification of India (UIDAI) will build partnerships with various Registrars across the country to enrol residents for the number. Such Registrars may include state governments, state Public Sector Units (PSUs), banks, telecom companies, etc. These Registrars may in turn partner with enrolling agencies to enrol residents into Aadhaar.

Aadhaar will ensure increased trust between public and private agencies and residents. Once residents enrol for Aadhaar, service providers will no longer face the problem of performing repeated Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before providing services. They would no longer have to deny services to residents without identification documents. Residents would also be spared the trouble of repeatedly proving identity through documents each time they wish to access services such as obtaining a bank account, passport, or driving license etc.

By providing a clear proof of identity, Aadhaar will empower poor and underprivileged residents in accessing services such as the formal banking system and give them the opportunity to easily avail various other services provided by the Government and the private sector. The centralised technology infrastructure of the UIDAI will enable 'anytime, anywhere, anyhow' authentication. Aadhaar will thus give migrants mobility of identity. Aadhaar authentication can be done both offline and online, online authentication through a cell phone or land line connection will allow residents to verify their identity remotely. Remotely, online Aadhaar-linked identity verification will give poor and rural residents the same flexibility that urban non-poor residents presently have in verifying their identity and accessing services such as banking and retail. Aadhaar will also demand proper verification prior to enrolment, while ensuring inclusion. Existing identity databases in India are fraught with problems of fraud and duplicate or ghost beneficiaries. To prevent these problems from seeping into the Aadhaar database, the UIDAI plans to enrol residents into its database with proper verification of their demographic and biometric information. This will ensure that the data collected is clean from the beginning of the program. However, much of the poor and under-privileged population lack identity documents and Aadhaar may be the first form of identification they will have access to. The UIDAI will ensure that its Know Your Resident (KYR) standards do not become a barrier for enrolling the poor and has accordingly developed an Introducer system for residents who lack documentation. Through this system, authorised individuals ('Introducers') who already have an Aadhaar, can introduce residents who don't have any identification documents, enabling them to receive their Aadhaar.

Who can get an Aadhaar?

An individual who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can get an Aadhaar.

How to get an Aadhaar?

The process to get an Aadhaar will be circulated by the local media upon which residents need to go to the nearest Enrolment Camp to register for an Aadhaar. The resident primarily needs to carry certain documents which will be specified in the media advertisement. Upon registering for Aadhaar, residents will go through a biometric scanning of ten fingerprints and iris. They will then be photographed and given an enrolment number upon completion. Depending on the enrolment agency, residents will be issued an Aadhaar number within 20 to 30 days.

Contact Centre Details

The UIDAI has set up a Contact Centre.

The users of this system are expected to be residents, registrars and enrollment agencies.
Any resident seeking enrollment is given a printed acknowledgment form with an Enrollment Number, that enables the resident to make queries about her/his enrollment status through any communication channel of the contact center.

►Voice – 1800-180-1947
►Fax – 080-2353 1947
►Letters – PO Box 1947, GPO Bangalore - 560001
►Email - help@uidai.gov.in

Dance forms of Andhra Pradesh,INDIA

2010-12-25T20:38:00.005+05:30

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi (తెలుగు : కూచిపూడి) (pronounced as 'Koochipoodi') is a Classical Indian dance form from AndhraPradesh, India. It is also popular all over South India. Kuchipudi is the name of a village in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district that borders the Bay of Bengal and with resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form, it acquired the present name.The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a daru (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music. The singer is accompanied by mridangam (a classical South Indian percussion instrument), violin, flute and the tambura (a drone instrument with strings which are plucked). Ornaments worn by the artists are generally made of a light weight wood called Boorugu.

Burra katha

Burra katha, also spelled as Burrakatha, is a story-telling technique used in villages of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in India. The troupe consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrative entertainment consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The topic will be either a hindu mythological story or a contemporary social problem.

Burra is referred to Tambura, a musical instrument with a hallow shell and attached strings. Katha means story.

Burra means a skull in telugu. The shell resembles a human skull. It is made of baked clay or dried pumpkin, or of brass and copper. The instrument looks very similar to Veena and the performer can pull and press strings to get music.

The name "Burrakatha" refers to same art in entire Andhra Pradesh, but there are also local names to the art in each region.

Coastal region - Jangam Katha
Rayalaseema - Tandana katha or suddulu
Telangana - Tamboora katha or sarada katha.

Burra katha was a pastime event in villages. It is seen even now during Dussehra or Sankranti festival seasons to describe events in epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat and also some of best and moral kingdom stories like kambojaraju katha,chinnamma katha,muggurumoratila katha etc.

It played effective role in conveying message to people and awakening them during Indian Independence Movement. Burrakatha was banned in Madras by the British government and in Hyderabad kingdom by Nizam government, because it was the medium to enlighten the people of the current political situation in various political meetings.

Burrakatha tellers are called as budagajangalu.Internet and movies play a major role in modern life. That's why the burrakathas are not being seen and no one is there to develop this and improve the art. In past these burrakatha tellers were important in the villages. But now there is no response for their art. So these burrakatha tellers left their traditional art and became beggars or day labourers. Even in these modern times,there are no educated people in this tribe. They dont even have caste certificates for developing their tribe.

Kolattam

Kolattam is an art form of Andhra Pradesh played with sticks. In Sanskrit, it is referred to as Hallisaka and Dandarasaka. In ancient days females dancers played Kolatam in temple halls as an offering to the Lord. But now it has evolved as a folk art form that is performed by male dancers. Kolattam is generally performed by a group of dancers comprising of twenty to forty performers or the minimum of eight members. The number of dancers are always in even numbers led by a leader.

The leader of the group controls the troupe and is known as Pennuddi or Kolanna Pantulu or Garuva. A couple of players is called Uddi, among the two one is called Rama and the next one is known as Lakshmana. Kolattam begins with the formation of a big circle consisting of all the members of the troupe, which later splits into two, one within the other. The leader of the troupe of Kolattam is accompanied by the Mridangam, flute, harmonium and cymbal players, who stand in the middle of the internal circle. Each performer holds up two sticks one in each hand that are decorated with colored strings or bells at its end.

The various steps that are included in Kolattam is called Kopulu. 50 types of kopulu are commonly used in this folk dance. When the leader signals, pairs of dancers in the circle start moving offering a prayer to Lord Ganesha. Then a song is begun by the leader by crying out the rhythm of Etlugada. Different verses and beats are used in the songs including prayers, duets, or tales expressing Bhakti, Sringara, Karuna and Virarasa.

Butta Bommalu

Butta Bommalu, also known as the dance of masks, is a typical folk dance form, popular in Tanuku of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.Butta Bommalu means basket puppets. It is a kind of dumb dance, which is performed by a team of not less than ten members consisting of dancers, musicians, an instructor and a troupe leader. The basket toys used in the dance are made of bamboo, tamarind seed paste, paper, wood husk, dry grass and cow dung. The outer structure is painted suitably and a person enters into the inner part and dances to the rhythms of dappu (a percussion instrument). The dolls of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Vishnu and Lakshmi, Garuda and Hanuman, Radha and Krishna are very common in the dance. The dance is performed in festive gatherings, marriage ceremonies and Navratri celebrations.

Dappu

Dappu is the traditional form of the percussion instruments. It is a very simple drumming instrument. Dappu is the most popularly used instrument in the state of Andhra Pradesh. There is also a kind of folk dance named as Dappu dance. The Dappu drum is still used for any kind of public announcement of any event. Dappu is an inseparable part of Andhra Pradesh rural life. It is equally important in any kind of celebrations, festivities and processions. It is also an integral part of many folk forms of performing arts and folk dances, especially the Dappu folk dance. Made of goatskin, a tambourine-like drum is beaten with sticks creating a rhythm that is softened only by the ankle bells that the 16 to 20 dancers wear. Part of a Telangana custom which sees the Dappu dancers at the front of any procession, whether it be for jataras, festivals or marriages, this is truly a celebration of the percussive powers of dance. This lively art form hails from Nizamabad District. The performers in colorful make-up and even more colorful costumes dance to the musical patterns set by cymbals, tabla and a harmonium. Mythological themes are usually enacted and the audience are the rurals.

Tappeta Gullu

Tappeta Gullu is a devotional dance of Andhra Pradesh popular in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Vishakhapatnam. Tappeta Gullu is performed in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Vishakhapatnam. During the ancient times it was performed by cowherds and shepherds to amuse the Rain Goddess, Gangamma. At presnt the dance is performed in all village festivals celebrated in honor of the deity. The vigor, rhythm and tempo of Tappeta Gullu is exceptional. The songs that are sung during the Tappeta Gullu dance are in mostly in praise of Lord Vishnu. In the dance stories from Indian mythologies like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and the lives of the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

The initial part of Tappeta Gullu is in the form of a ritual, where a man moves around the village with an ornamented pot of water, symbolizing Godesss Gangamma. The next part of the dance takes place at night. Tappeta Gullu is performed by a group of twelve to thirty men, who dance to the rhythm of the song. The dancers are dressed in a shirt, a turban and a loincloth, they also wear ankle-bells. The performers of the dance are accompanied by Tappeta or gundlu, hung on the chest. It is a musical instrument similar to a drum. The dance of Tappeta Gullu requires immense skill and muscle power. An important characteristic of the dance is that while dancing the artistes display rare skills in acrobatics. While performing the dancers stand one above the other on the thighs and shoulders of each other and form the the shape of a gopuram or a tree.

Lambadi

Lambadi is related to the Lambadi tribe, who lead a semi-nomadic life in Andhra Pradesh. The Lambadi tribe lives all over the state. They are popularly known as Banjaras or Sugalis. The dancers perform this dance to rejoice an abundant harvest or a good sowing season. They dress themselves in brass anklets, bangles, embellished jewelry and glass beads. The day to day tasks of a farmer, like reaping, harvesting, planting, sowing etc. are represented in the Lambadi Dance. During the festivals like Dussehra, Deepavali and Holi these tribal people move from one house to another dancing and receiving alms.

The Lambadi dancers dress up in gaudy dresses by wearing long colorful skirts decorated with mirrors and white broad bone bracelets covering their arms. An interesting fact about the dance form is that it is monopolized by women. It is permeated with fervent grace and lyricism. The subtle sensuality of the dancers make it more appealing. The rhythm and the coordination among the dancers is worth mentioning.

Dhimsa

Dhimsa dance is a dance of young and old, men and women of Valmiki, Bagata, Khond and Kotia tribes living in the enchanting Araku Valley in the hilly tracts of Vishakhapatam district. A monthly magazine is published by the name of Dhimsa in Telugu Link to http://www.dhimsa.net Tribals dance during the months of Chaitra i.e. March/April, on weddings and other festivities. During the festivals dancers of one village visit the other to participate in the dance and join the community feast. Such dances are known as “Sankidi Kelbar”. The unique feature of Dhimsa dance is that it chanalises friendship and fraternity between the people of different villages. This being traditionally a tribal dance, the women folk attired in typical tribal dress and ornaments dance in group to the tune of Mori, Kiridi, Tudumu, Dappu and Jodukommulu.

Dhimsa had branched off to eight different categories of dances. Boda Dimsa is a worship dance in honour of village goddess. Men on the right and women on the left form two rows and hold one another firmly in their hands the backs. The first man in the right row with a bunch of peacock feathers in hand in rhythmical steps takes the lead while the last person in the left row joins him. Then all dancers to the sounds of anklets move zigzag in a serpent dance in a circle crying “Hari” and “Hui” return to the rows. In Gunderi dimsa or Usku Dimsa a male dancer while singing sends invitation to the females to dance with him. Thereafter, the male and female with firm steps move forward and backward stride in a circle. In Goddi Beta Dimsa the dancers bending forward and rising up with a swing go about twenty-five steps and return in the same manner four to five times. Potar-Tola Dimsa dance symbolizes the picking up leaves. Half of the dancers stand side by side in a row, while the rest stand behind the first row in same manner and keep their hands on shoulders of dancers standing before. Turning their heads to right and left the two rows march forward and backward. Bhag Dimsa is a dance of art as to how to escape from a tigers attack. Half of the dancers form a circle holding hand in hand. They stand on their toes, bowing and raising their heads. Moving round swiftly, the rest enter the circle and form a “serpent Coil”. This is repeated several times. Natikari Dimsa is a solo dance danced by the Valmikis on Dewali festival in particular. Kunda Dimsa is dance where the dancers push each other with their shoulders while swinging rhythmically. Baya Dimsa dance is the dance of tribal masician when he is possessed by the village goddess. All the villagers with their hands bowed down imitate the “Ganachari”. This continues till the magician returns to normalcy Dimsa dances exhibit community unity without discremination. These dance forms essentially amplifying their ways of life belong to their cultural heritage. Even though things have changed much, yet the hillmen had retained their traditions unspoilt. Though their dances cannot be included into any classical forms, yet they conform to the rhythm of either “Aditala” or “Rupakatala”.

Bonalu

Bonalu is one of the folk festival popular in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. The word "Bonalu" is the short form of "Bhojanalu", meaning "food", which is offered to the Goddess. The Godesses are worshipped by offering food, which is later shared among the family members.

Bonalu started as a harvest feast gradually progressing into a processional dance. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Aashadha, according to Hindi calendar, which falls in the month of June or July. The festival is celebrated predominantly by Hindus.An interesting thing about Bonalu is that women folk participate in the procession carrying 'Ghatams' or ornamented pots filled with flowers on their heads. The women devotees also carry brass vessels or clay pots filled with cooked rice and decorated with neem leaves. In the procession men accompany the women devotees by playing drums and go to worship the local deity. Dressed in colorful dresses they balance the pots to the rhythmic songs and tunes, sung in glorifying the village deity Mahankali. The male dancers are known as Potharajus, who lead the procession by lashing whips and neem leaves.

Veeranatyam

A very old form of dance in the state of Andhra Pradesh that has a lot of religious significance attached to it; that is Veeranatyam. This fascinating kind of dance form is also known as Veerangam and Veerabhadra Nrityam. The term ‘Veera’ literaly means brave. Thus as the name of the dance form suggests it is the dance of the brave.

The illustration of Veeranatyam is found in the Hindu Mythology. Once Lord Shiva’s wife, Sati Devi was humiliated at a function. This made the Shiva-the God of destruction, furious. He is believed to have potrayed out His extreme anger by performing a vigorous dance; thus justifying the name Veeranatyam. It was the dance of ‘Pralay’ or Destruction. Lord Shiva picked out a relic out of His hair or ‘Jatajuta’, which created Veerabhadra. The angry destructive Shiva or the ‘Pralayankar’ in the fiercity of rage tarnished the ‘Dakshayagna Vatika’ the place where the function was held.

Veeranatyam initially started as a ritual that was performed in all the Shiva or the shaivite temples in honour of Lord Shiva. At present, the followers of Veerabhadra mostly perform this form of performing arts. The community is known as Veeramusti community in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Dressed in colorful ‘Dhotis’ and ‘Dattis’ the dancers perform Veerabhadra. Musical and rhythmic instruments like Dolu, Thasha, Veernam, Thambura and Soolam are used while the dance is being performed. To the rhythm of drumbeats, the dancers perform the dance of destruction. Long steps and dexterous hand movements are required for performing Veeranatyam. Draksharama in East Godavari district specially witnesses this dance form.

Videos

Telugu language

2010-11-26T18:08:00.002+05:30

"Desa bhashalandu Telugu Lessa" ("Among the nation's languages, Telugu is the best") - Sri Krishnadeva Raya.

Telugu (natively తెలుగు Telugu) is a Dravidian language Spoken in Andhra Pradesh State in INDIA.Telugu has the third largest number of native speakers in India (74 million according to the 2001 census) and is 15th in the Ethnologue list of most-spoken languages worldwide.

It is the official language of Andhra Pradesh, one of the largest states of India and the centrally administered Yanam district of the union territory of Puducherry. The mother tongue of the majority of people of Andhra Pradesh, it is also spoken in neighbouring states like Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the twenty-two scheduled languages of the Republic of India and was conferred the status of a Classical language by the Government of India

Telugu Script is derived from Bhattiprolu script, which is itself a variant of Brahmi Script. Telugu vocabulary has been subjected to prolonged influence from Sanskrit and Prakrits. It is also influenced by Urdu.

Telugu literature is generally divided into six periods:

pre-1020 CE	pre-Nannayya period
1020–1400	Age of the Puranas
1400–1510	Age of Srinatha
1510–1600	Age of the Prabandhas
1600–1820	Southern period
1820 to date	Modern period.

Telugu can be referred as "Italian of the East" because Telugu is the only language other than Italian where every word ends in a vowel. This gives the language an enchanting lilting quality when spoken." - Niccolo de Conti, 16th century Italian traveler.

Telugu is one of the 22 official languages of India. The Andhra Pradesh Official Language Act, 1966, declares Telugu to be the official language of Andhra Pradesh. This enactment was implemented by GO Ms No 420 in 2005.

CP Brown Academy published several books, which are available for free download from their site.

Konaseema

2010-10-28T15:56:00.005+05:30

Konaseema (Telugu: కోనసీమ) is a delta located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. This delta is surrounded on all sides by waters (of Godavari and the Bay of Bengal). Konaseema is very near to the,District head quarters Kakinada.

Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery and vedic scholars. The origin of the name may be from Telugu word "Kona" meaning corner which resembles its shape. The northern side is bounded by Gautami Godavari and southern side is bounded by Vasista Godavari. It is one of most fertile lands present in Coromandel Coast. The entire region is rich in Coconut trees, Mango groves,Cashew and paddy fields.

Until the 1996 cyclone which hit the area badly, the delta is also renowned for its coconut production. Even now, Konaseema is known after its coconut production and hence goes the phrase Konaseema Kobbaraaku which signifies the prominence of Konaseema in coconut production. One of the most significant components of Konaseema culture is the food; a unique part of the cuisine is its reliance on abundant local produce and sea food. There are delicacies made using Plantain flowers.

The inhabitants of Konaseema adopted a highly sustainable life-style. For example, every part of a coconut tree is used: from roots to the leaves and everything in between. This could probably be explained by the geographic isolation from the mainland. Before the construction of critical bridge infrastructure connecting to the mainland, water-based transportation was the only option. This relative isolation led to Konaseema people becoming extremely efficient at resource usage.

One has to witness a particular religious festival during "Kaartika Maasam", when women wake up before dawn, pray at a temple and light small lamps made of cotton dipped in cow ghee placed in a plantain stem and left floating in the canals. It has to be seen and cannot be described when you see floating lights, hundreds of them, lighting up a canal. All of this activity is completely natural and blends into the environment(bio-degradable).

History

Konaseema is a delta located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. This delta is surrounded on all sides by waters (of Godavari and the Bay of Bengal).
Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery and vedic scholars. The origin of the name may be from Telugu word "Kona" meaning corner which resembles its shape. The northern side is bounded by Gautami Godavari and southern side is bounded by Vasista Godavari. It is one of most fertile lands present in Coromandel Coast. The entire region is rich in Coconut trees, Mango grooves, numerous canals, backwaters, Temples and Traditions.
The culture of konaseema is rich traditional culture of Andhra.

Culture

The culture of konaseema is typical rural culture of Andhra region. Even, the dialect of Telugu spoken here is distinct from other regions of Andhra Pradesh. The festivals of Rathotsavam (for Lord Vishnu) and Prabhala Teertham (for Lord Shiva) are famous all through the region. Most famous of Rathotsavam festivals are: Antarvedi teertham and Yanam teertham. Most famous of Prabhala Teerthams are: Jaggannathota teertham, Kothapeta teertham and Chintalooru teertham. The Subhramanya Sasti teerthams in Amalapuram and Kadili are also very famous.
Konaseema is known for its green Coconut orchards, lushgreen Paddy fields and numerous canals. Apart from these Konaseema is also famous for cultivation of turmeric and a kind of Yam called Kanda. Last but not the least, Konaseema is famous for Veda-pandits, the Godavari River and the hospitality of the people.

Colloquial terms used in Konaseema

Revu - Coast.

Godaari - River Godavari.

Lanka - Island.

Dibba/Tippa - Small piece of land formed in rivers (Small islands).

Metta - Very small islands, when grown in size referred as Tippa/Dibba.

Peta/Palem - Village/Town.

Kotha - Soil erosion.

Aatu - High tide.

Potu - Low tide.

Aay - Meaning Yes.

Panti - Raft which is used to transport people and even big Vehicles.

The major towns which constitute Konaseema are Amalapuram, Ravulapalem, Razole, Mummidivaram, and Kothapeta.

Description above from the Wikipedia article Konaseema.

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Kanne Vayasu

2010-10-26T21:36:00.002+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Chitti Chellelu

2010-10-26T21:34:00.000+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Mayabazar

2010-10-26T21:24:00.003+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Illarikam

2010-10-26T21:21:00.000+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - RAMUDU , BHEMUDU

2010-10-26T21:20:00.002+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Kula Gothralu

2010-10-26T21:17:00.000+05:30

Telugu Old Classics / Songs - Appu Chesi Pappu Kudu

2010-10-26T21:09:00.000+05:30

Comedy - April 1 Vidudala

2010-10-22T20:15:00.000+05:30

Comedy - Dubai Seenu

2010-10-22T19:22:00.000+05:30

Comedy - Nuvve Nuvve

2010-10-22T19:11:00.002+05:30

Comedy - Atadu

2010-10-22T19:03:00.001+05:30

Comedy - Jayammu Nischayammura

2010-10-22T19:01:00.000+05:30