Paruveta Utsavam : Mock Hunting Festival
Efforts are underway to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ (mock hunting festival) held at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’.
- Legend has it that Lord Vishnu, in his incarnation as Narasimha, married a tribal girl named Chenchulakshmi, and the festival commemorates this union.
- Participants observe ‘Narasimha Deeksha’ by wearing yellow robes and ‘Tulasi Mala’ and practicing celibacy.
- The festival highlights the absence of caste discrimination, with temple staff residing in tribal hamlets throughout the event.
- The ceremony involves tribals shooting arrows at the deity’s palanquin as a sign of reverence and protection.
- The Ahobila Mutt has historically promoted the festival to spread Srivaishnavism among tribal communities, further affirming the tribal link to Lord Vishnu.
