Devotees uphold tradition through Giri Pradakshina in Chittoor district

The decades-old devotional ritual of Giri Pradakshina, observed after the Kanuma festival, once again reflected faith, endurance and community bonding across several villages and towns in Chittoor district. From the early hours of the morning till late evening, hundreds of devotees circumambulated hills and hillocks in their native places, keeping alive a deeply rooted rural tradition.

Hundreds of families set out together in a festive and devotional mood, walking barefoot around the hillocks. Villages located along the routes turned into welcoming halting points, with households arranging ‘anna prasadams’ and drinking water for devotees, showcasing the spirit of collective hospitality.

Nagari, Palamaner, Kuppam and Punganur emerged as major centres of activity. In Nagari, the iconic Nagari Nose Hill witnessed a massive turnout of devotees from Nagari, Puttur, Karveti Nagaram, Nindra, Pichatur and Nagalapuram mandals. The circumambulation began in the clockwise direction from early morning and continued till noon. From evening, devotees resumed the ritual in the anticlockwise direction, with groups moving on both sides exchanging greetings.

In the Kuppam region, Mallappakonda and the Kangundi fort hillock recorded a steady footfall. Devotees also thronged Kaigal Falls near V. Kota and Gangana Sirasu falls near Palamaner. Bodi Konda, on the outskirts of Chittoor, witnessed uninterrupted movement of devotees throughout the day.

Senior Telugu teacher and writer from Nagari, M. Purushottam Achari, said that Giri Pradakshina symbolises gratitude to nature and the collective prayer for universal well-being and prosperity. Despite rapid social changes and modern lifestyles, the ritual continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Chittoor’s living traditions, sustained by devotion, hospitality and community participation.