Talking of marriages, they are invariably associated with shopping. People in this part of north Andhra make it a point to buy all goods associated with family functions only in Sraavanam and carefully avoid such purchases in Aashaadam. Gold and jewellery is bought only in Sraavanam, preferably on the eve of Varalakshmi Vratham, performed on the Friday preceding the full moon day. In fact, even any meeting of prospective bride and bridegroom is prohibited in Aashaadam. The arrangements associated with a marriage are either held in advance or in the same month as a rule.

Apart from family festivities, the month of Sraavanam is considered sacred for worship of gods. This year, Varalakshmi Vratham falls on August 24 and this festival is very special to women who make hectic preparations to celebrate it on a grand scale involving friends and relatives. Apart from this, worship of Lord Siva on Mondays, Gowridevi on Tuesdays, Sri Mahalakshmi on Fridays and Lord Vishnu on Saturdays is considered very sacred. Also, the first day of the fortnight – Padyami is earmarked for Brahma, third day or Truteeya for Parvathi, fourth and fifth days - Chaturthi and Panchami for workship of snakes, and Sapthami for Sun god. Sravana Mangala Gouri Vratham is performed on Tuesdays and Fridays when women folk invite and visit their neighbouring households and give Vaayanam or offerings.

The full moon day in the month on August 24, Sraavana Pournami, is also known as Jandhyala Pournami and Raakhee Pournami. On this day, new yagnopaveetham or jandhem is worn by some with Gayatri mantra. Raakhi Pournami has become increasingly popular with the girls and women tying `rakhee’ or the protecting band.

Other festivals in the month of Sraavanam are Hayagreeva Jayanthi on August 28, Sri Raghavendra Aaradhanotsavam on August 30, Sri Krishnashtami on September 4.

Krishnashtami, also known as Janmashtami is the day when Lord Krishna is born and it is particularly popular in Visakhapatnam city where many localities organise the `Utti utsavam’ in which a treasure pot is broken against odds. Hayagreeva , the horse-faced god is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is said to be giver of education and learning.

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