located anywhere. The owner must agree to cut his tree for Utsav. That tree will be shaped neatly into Sirimanu and will be placed over the chariot. This Sirimanu will be brought to the Three Lanters junction around 2:00 pm. Temple Pujari will pay obeissance to the Goddess before taking his seat on the Sirimanu chariot. This sirimanu will move 3 times between Vizianagaram fort and Pydimamba temple between 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There will be a chariot in the shape of White elephant in front of Srimanu. The Vizianagaram Rajahs will sit in the front Tower of the fort and watch the Utsav. Pujari will be presented with new clothes by Rajas and puja is performed. Importance of the White Elephant Many people do not know about the White Elephant moving in front of Sirimanu chariot. But in the olden days Maharajas used to sit on a white elephant and participate in Sirimanu Utsav. Now statue of white elephant is taken in procession in front of Sirimanu as a part of tradition. Importance of Anjali Chariot Sri Pydimamba died before she got married. So five married women will be seated on the Anjali chariot which goes in front of Sirimanu as a part of tradition. As five married women are sitting on this chariot, this is called Anjali chariot. In addition, Paladhara, an umbrella made with fishing nets decorated with flowers and fruits is another important accompaniment to the Anjali Chariot. Importance of Paladhara and Fishermen's net As per history, when Goddess statue was found on west side of Pedda Cheruvu, Patiwda Appalanaidu tried to bring the statue out by calling professional swimmers of Yata Veedhi. They agreed to bring the statue out without taking money on the condition that their people would be allowed to participate in the srimanu utasav with umbrella made of fishing nets. Patiwada Appalanaidu agreed to their condition and convinced Rajas to permit them to participate in Sirimanothsavam. See also Ceremonial pole References Andhracafe.com Vizianagaram Hindu festivals Festivals in Andhra Pradesh Religious festivals in India Folk festivals in India September events October events