In the Kadapa village, men only perform all temple rituals

A rare and intriguing tradition unfolds every year in Thippayapalle, a village in the Pullampet mandal of the Kadapa district.

- S NAGARAJA RAO @Kadapa

On the Sunday before Sankranti, the village celebrates a grand festival dedicated exclusively to men.

This unique event revolves around the Sanjeevaraya swamy temple, where men take centre stage in offering prayers and preparing a traditional dish, pongal, for the presiding deity.

Men, irrespective of where they live, return to their native village for the occasion.

They come together to cook pongal and offer it as Naivedyam to Lord Sanjeevaraya as per a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Women, however, are strictly prohibited from entering the temple or consuming the Prasadam.

The age-old custom dates back to hundreds of years.