Veerabhadra Rath Yatra Celebrated with Grandeur at Vangara; Prabhakar Rao, P.V.’s Son Leads Procession

Vangara (RNI) The century-old Veerabhadra Rath Yatra, a revered spiritual and cultural tradition of Vangara village, was celebrated on Wednesday with great devotion, colour, and community participation. The grand procession was led by P.V. Prabhakar Rao, third son of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna.Sri.P.V. Narasimha Rao along with P.V.Sharath babu, P.V.Madan Mohan Jithender Rao Thanugula President, TYJF continuing a legacy deeply rooted in faith and family history.

The Rath Yatra, which proceeds from Vangara to the historic Kothakonda Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, is believed to have begun nearly a hundred years ago. Local tradition traces its origin to around 1925, when Rathnamma, widow of late P.V. Ranga Rao, fervently prayed to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy for a male heir to carry forward the Pamulaparthy family lineage, as she was childless and had lost her husband at a young age.

It is widely believed that her prayers were answered when her neighbours, P.V. Seetharama Rao and Rukminamma, agreed to give their eldest son, P.V. Narasimha Rao, in adoption. The adoption was formally solemnised around 1930, following which Narasimha Rao legally became the son of P.V. Ranga Rao and Rathnamma. In a further strengthening of family bonds, Rathnamma later arranged the marriage of Narasimha Rao with Satyamma, one of her close relatives.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Rathnamma is believed to have instituted the tradition of sending the ceremonial Rath to Kothakonda as a mark of thanksgiving to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy. Since then, the Rath Yatra has remained an enduring symbol of devotion, fulfilment of faith, and continuity of tradition.

This year’s procession was marked by vibrant cultural performances, including spirited Shiva Shakti dances by members of the Yadava community, rhythmic Dappu and Dolak beats, and a visually stunning Kolatam performed by women of the village. The atmosphere resonated with the chiming of temple bells, devotional chants, and ritual offerings of jaggery and rice.

With a gathering of over 2,000 devotees, the Rath Yatra commenced amid festive fervour, transforming the village into a sea of devotion and celebration, coinciding with the Sankranti festivities.

After Rathnamma’s passing, the responsibility of conducting the Rath Yatra was taken up by P.V. Narasimha Rao, who unfailingly observed the ritual despite his demanding roles as Union Minister and later as Prime Minister. Subsequently, the tradition was carried forward briefly by P.V. Rajeshwar Rao and his family. For the past six to seven years, the sacred responsibility has been diligently upheld by P.V. Prabhakar Rao.

The Yatra saw the participation of several members of the P.V. family, including P.V. Sharath Babu and P.V. Madan Mohan, with guidance and coordination provided by P.V. Manohar Rao from Hyderabad.

The event was smoothly and enthusiastically organised by Mondaiah, Venkat Reddy, Satish Reddy, Laxmikanth Rao, and Vishnu Vardhan, with active support from the P.V. Global Foundation, which has been sponsoring the Rath Yatra for several years.

Marked by unity, devotion, and cultural splendour, the Veerabhadra Rath Yatra once again stood as a powerful testament to Vangara’s living heritage—drawing men, women, and children alike into a shared celebration of faith, history, and tradition.