Sullia: An unique age-old celebration called ‘Addanapettu’, in which it is believed that ‘Ullakulu Daiva’ (a regional deity) himself comes to spread the message of living in harmony, takes place every year at the Mandekolu village in Sullia. An annual festival is held in Sri Maha Vishnumurthy temple of Mandekolu village, during which the ‘Addanapettu’, a traditional mock fight is held, which is the main attraction of the festival.
This year’s ‘Addanapettu’, which is represented by four ‘Gowda’ families, namely ‘Kenaje’, ‘Mavaje’, ‘Murooru’ and ‘Bolugallu’ was celebrated on Friday, April 26. Devotees from across the district had come to witness the unique ritual in which the members of the four families participate in a mock fight holding sticks and ‘Ullakulu Daiva’ comes and stops the fight.
History of ‘Addanapettu’
It is believed that during the ancient times, ‘Ullakulu Daiva’ had once stopped a fight between two groups of people and preached the message of living in harmony. To mark the incident, the locals of the region have been organising a mock fight every year during the annual festivities of Sri Maha Vishnumurthy temple ever since. It is believed that after the celebration of ‘Addanapettu’ there will not be any fights or quarrel in the village.
