Men sport women's attire to offer prayers to Rathi Manmatha in Adoni

KURNOOL: While Holi is celebrated with colors, water, and sweets across the country, the festivities take on a unique twist in Santhekudlur village, in Adoni mandal in Kurnool district. Here, men dress up in women's attire and offer prayers to the god of love, Manmatha, and his wife, Rathi, marking a distinctive tradition during the Holi festival every year.

This tradition, reportedly passed on from their great grandfathers' time, involves men dressing in sarees and wearing gold jewelry to offer prayers for a good harvest and their offspring. If their wishes are granted, they dress up as women and perform special prayers to 'Rathi-Manmatha' along with their family at the Holi festival.

The two-day festival begins with Kama Dahanam, symbolising the purification of thoughts and reinforcing the community's commitment to positivity. In Santhekudlur village, it is firmly believed that unless men embrace this tradition, the collective desires for the village's well-being will remain unfulfilled. Some men who don't typically wear sarees offer silver items to the deity as part of this tradition.

Indeed, it is a common misconception that only illiterate villagers adhere to these unique traditions during the Holi festival. Surprisingly, even educated individuals in Santhekudlur village faithfully follow this tradition every year.