“I belong to the Dasari Community and we are called Haridasulu. We go around villages singing devotional songs. This is our tradition. Sometimes, people say that I look like ‘Naradamuni’ in this attire. I go from house to house and ask for bhiksha. Everything is “Krishnarpanam” when I receive offerings from people.
Earlier, people from our community would go for diksha way before the Sankranti festival chanting Sankeertans. However, the new generation is reluctant to practice this tradition and our culture is gradually disappearing.

Usually we take up diksha that lasts one month from Dhanurmaasam to Bhogi. This tradition is called Bhakti Sampradayam. Our day starts at about 4:30 a.m. After offering prayers, we set out singing the glory of the Lord and return only in the evening. Those who are keen on listening to the keertans treat us with respect. After Bhogi, I offer prayers at the Bhadrachalam temple and perform annadanam. The rest of the year, I get back to my family business.”

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