A bread for every wish

NELLORE: Elaborate arrangements are being made by the district administration for the annual Rottela Pandaga (Bread Festival), which showcases Hindu-Muslim unity, at the Bara Shaheed Dargah from December 6.Nearly 3.5 lakh devotees from various parts of the all over the country and also from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Gulf nations are expected to turn up for the event.The festival begins with Moharram on December 6, followed by Gandhamahotsavam on 7 and Rottela Pandaga on 8, and concludes on December 9 with Tahaleel Phateha.According to legend, the Dargah was constructed in memory of 12 Muslim warriors who were beheaded at Gandavaram village in Kodavaluru mandal in the district for promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.Popular as Dargah Mitta, the Bara Shaheed Dargah has turned into a popular pilgrim centre over years. Devotees believe the 12 martyrs will bless anyone who visits the Dargah during the annual festival and pick up bread from the holy tank to get their wishes fulfilled.After fulfillment of their wishes, the devotees will visit the Dargah again for thanksgiving and leave bread in the holy tank, which will be picked up by others who want to fulfill their wishes.Over the years, many types of breads (rottelu) are being offered and also searched for by devotees like Fortune Bread (Adhrusta Rotte), Marriage Bread (Pelli Rotte), Money Bread (Dabbu Rotte), Job Bread (Udyogam Rotte), Children Bread (Santhana Rotte), Health Bread (Arogyam Rotte) etc. It is interesting to note that IT professionals who want to go abroad started offering Foreign Bread (Videsi Rotte) since last year.Nellore Rural MLA Anam Vivekananda Reddy and RDO Madhivilatha have conducted a review meeting with the officials concerned over the arrangements for the event. A 131-member festival committee was formed to oversee the arrangements.Meanwhile, Nellore Municipal Corporation commissioner TSR Anjayaneyulu said in view of heavy rush expected for the event this year, the Bara Shaheed Dargah area had been divided into six zones and one counter each would be established in every zone with public address system to guide the pilgrims.Special arrangements have been made for drinking water supply and maintenance. SP BV Ramanakumar said additional forces would be deployed from neighbouring districts of Prakasam and Guntur to avoid untoward incidents.