A Village Fair

Today (the 6th day of first fortnight of Indian calendar month of Margasira) is celebrated as Subrahmanyeswara Sasti (Subbaraydi Shasti). Village folk give much importance to this snake-god. He is the second son of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi and brother of Vinayaka. Here are some photographs taken in a small village of West Godavari District showing to the scenes of a fair associated with this festival. The fair can go on from one day to nine days, depending upon the custom of the village.
2. Almost every village has a temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanyeswara. During the festivities the temple is specially decorated. You can see here a welcome threshold.
The fair constricts of several makeshift shops that sell various offering to the Lord, memorabilia, toys and eatables to visitors. Here you can a see one shop selling balloons and toys.
The road that leads to the temple is decked up for the occasion.
People for all walks of like make a beeline to the temple. They start arriving from early in morning.
A view of the temple

A hawker selling inflatable toys.
 
Hot, spicy chat is favorite with boys.
The essence of fair is devotional fervor.
A canopy is ready, where cultural programs are scheduled for the evening.
Children enjoying a taste of shopping.

 What to buy? The items for sale are neither necessities nor comforts.They are memories!

Dry fruits are on sale - To distribute as 'prasad' to relatives and friends back home.
Another view of the program venue.
These are all for tiny tots. All at bargain prices.
Oh. Mummy, let me have an ice-cream please.
People go home and eat an early dinner to come back in time to watch cultural programs.


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