Atla Taddi

The name “Atla Taddi” comes from Atlu (dosa/pancake) and Taddi (Tadiya, the third lunar day). It falls in October, a few days after Sharad Purnima, and is one of the most colourful festivals for women in Andhra and Telangana.

Women wake before sunrise and eat a meal that includes atlu and curd. They then fast through the day, worship Goddess Gauri in the evening, and break the fast after seeing the moon. Girls and women also play on swings (uyyalalu) tied to trees, sing folk songs, apply mehendi and dress in new clothes. The festival is similar in spirit to Karwa Chauth in North India.

ccording to the popular story, a young girl who was a friend of a princess observed the Atla Taddi fast along with her. The princess, unable to bear the hunger, was tricked by her brothers into breaking the fast before the moon rose, and this caused trouble in her life. After she realised her mistake and observed the vrat sincerely with devotion, Goddess Gauri blessed her with a happy married life. This story is told to show the importance of observing the vrat with discipline and faith.

Significance:

It honours Goddess Gauri as the giver of saubhagya (marital bliss) and well-being.
It is a festival for women and girls to bond through song, play and swings.
Atlu (dosas) are the signature food of the festival.
It reflects Telugu culture and women’s community traditions.

1)Pre-dawn meal: Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and eat a light meal with atlu, curd and other foods before dawn.
2)Sankalp: Take a vow to observe the day-long fast for the family’s well-being (for a husband’s long life, or for a good husband).
3)Day of fasting: Observe the fast without food or water (or with fruits and water, depending on family custom), while singing devotional and folk songs.
4)Swings and festivities: Girls and women decorate swings (uyyala), enjoy them, apply mehendi and wear new clothes.
5)Prepare for puja: In the evening, bathe again and wear clean traditional clothes. Set up a Gauri idol, or a Gauri image made from turmeric paste, on a decorated altar.
6)Kalasha and invocation: Install a kalasha with water, mango leaves and a coconut, and invoke Goddess Gauri.
7)Gauri puja: Offer haldi, kumkum, flowers, akshat and a sacred thread. Chant mantras and the Gauri ashtottara (108 names).
8)Naivedyam: Offer 11 atlu with other sweets and fruits to the Goddess.
9)Vrata Katha: Listen to or read the Atla Taddi katha.
10)Aarti: Perform aarti to Goddess Gauri.
11)Moon worship: After moonrise, offer arghya (water) to the Moon and view him through a sieve or lamp.
12)Vayanam (offering to suhagins): Give 11 married women an offering of atlu, fruits, bangles, kumkum, turmeric and other items, and take their blessings.
Breaking the fast: Eat the prasad and a satvik meal after the puja and moon worship.