Polala Amavasya

Polala Amavasya is one of the important fasting days dedicated to Goddess Poleramma. It is observed on the �amavasya� (no moon day) during the �Shravana� masam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence this festival is also known as �Shravana Amavasya�. According to the Hindu legends, Goddess Poleramma or Goddess Pochamma is considered to be protector or guardian of children, and married women therefore keep the Polala Amavasya vratam for the wellness and longevity of their children. Polala Amavasya is also referred as �Pithori Amavasya�.

Polala Amavasya is majorly a festival observed in South India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and adjoining areas. It is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. The observance of Polala Amavasya is very much similar to �Shital Sasthi� in Orissa and �Sheetal Saptami� puja in the northern states of India. Goddess Poleramma is considered to be the local deity who protects children from all evils and mishaps. She is believed to be one of main incarnation of Goddess Shakti or Durga. The day of worshipping Poleramma coincides with �amavasya� each year; hence this vratam is called as �Polala Amavasya. On this day special rituals and pujas are organized in Poleramma temples, all across India.

Significance of Polala Amavasya:

The festival of Polala Amavasya holds immense significance for women bearing children. As Goddess Poleramma is the protector of children, mothers worship Her with full dedication and affection. By observing a fast on this day, it is believed that Goddess Poleramma will protect the children from several diseases, particularly small pox and chicken pox. As the month of Shravana corresponds to months of July-August that marks the onset of monsoon season, diseases spread quickly during this time. As Children are most vulnerable, Polala Amavasya vratam is observed to keep children healthy.

Rituals during Polala Amavasya:

• The day of Polala Amavasya is dedicated to Goddess Poleramma and this festival is mainly observed by married women in Andhra Pradesh. The women get up early on this day and finish their morning chores to make preparations for the special puja.
• On this day, women sketch a picture of the �Pochamma Temple� at the place of worship and offer the �shodashopachar� puja there to the Goddess. During the puja, a sacred thread known as �Raksha Daaram� or �Raksha Thoranam� is also worshipped. After the completion of puja rituals, women tie this �Raksha Daaram� to their children to ensure their safety. On this day they also read the story of the mother who brought back her dead children after worshipping Goddess Poleramma.
• On Polala Amavasya special offerings are prepared to offer to Goddess Poleramma. Women prepare fried sweet balls made from jaggery and chana dal for the welfare of male children whereas urad dal vadas are offered to the Goddess for the wellbeing of female child.
• During the time of puja several mantras or prayers dedicated to Goddess Shakti like �Durga Stuti�, �Gauri Astottaram� and �Bhavani Astakam� are chanted all through the day.
• Women also keep a strict fast on this day to please Goddess Pochamma. There is no �Udyapana� for this vratam and it can be observed by all.

2016 Date : 1^stSeptember.