Paruveta Utsavam

Source-This post on Paruveta Utsavam is based on the article “Efforts on to get UNESCO tag for ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ of Ahobilam” published in “The Hindu” on 18th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has been making efforts to obtain UNESCO recognition for the yearly ‘Paruveta Utsavam‘ (mock hunting festival) as an ‘intangible cultural heritage‘.

About Paruveta Utsavam

1. About– It is an annual mock hunting festival held at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

2. Symbol– The festival serves as a testament to communal harmony. During this time, the deity from the inner sanctum of the temple is carried to the 32 Chenchu tribal settlements surrounding Ahobilam for a period of 40 days.

3. Belief:
a. According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in his Narasimha form, married Maha Lakshmi, who was born as a tribal girl named Chenchulakshmi in Ahobilam.
b. The Kurnool District Gazetteers, published by the Government Press in 1881, documents various beliefs of the Chenchu tribes. They include their respect for Ahobila Narasimha as their brother-in-law and the tradition of inviting him home for Makara Sankranti.

4. Activities:
a. Participants observe ‘Narasimha Deeksha‘ by wearing yellow robes, ‘Tulasi Mala‘, and practicing celibacy.
b. During the ceremony, tribal members shoot arrows at the deity’s palanquin as a gesture of respect and protection.
c. Paruveta Utsavam is celebrated by people of all castes.

5. Administrative Body & Tribal link:
a. The 600-year-old Ahobila Mutt, through the ‘Guru Parampara’, oversees the temple.
b. It has promoted this tribal festival to spread Srivaishnavism among the local tribes.
c. The connection between the tribes and Lord Vishnu is affirmed in Vasanthika Parinayam, a Sanskrit drama written by the 7th Jeeyar of the Mutt centuries ago.

About the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

1. About– It is a non-profit charitable organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

2. Established– It was founded in 1984 in New Delhi.

3. Objective– Its goal is to establish a membership organization to promote awareness and lead conservation efforts for heritage in India.

UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture