Traditions, Customs and Religion:

The Meraka Veedhi Telaga Gobbillu community practice orthodox Hinduism and belong to the Vaishnavite Sect. Their family deity is Lord Venugopala Swamy. Many of the middle aged and elder people undergo a Vaishnavite ceremony known as “Chakraankitham”, surrendering themselves to Lord Vishnu and give up non-vegetarian food and perform daily Vaishnavite rituals of the Ramanuja tradition. Many of the older people invariably wear a “Thirunamam” on the forehead and all the Vaishnavite festivals are celebrated with fervour by these families.

Women in these families used to wear a 9 yard Saree with long sleeved blouses, men used to wear dhoti, long sleeved shirt with coat and turban and they use to carry a sword during marriages. Women in these families observed strict gosha / pardha system and never used to go to bazaars / markets for any purchases unguarded.

They use to perform "Gobbillu" for Sankranti which has unique songs depicting the life style at Chandragiri.

Bommalakoluvu a array of toys will be kept by the woman folk . woman during menstruation keep themselves aloof and use not to mingle with other family members during that period.

The marriage rituals were strictly a five day affair and very elaborate. The marriage dress is always Sherwani or British Suits in modern days and the groom is decorated with very unique head gear called "Talapaga", the Turban and carries a sword as the symbol of their Royal tradition. After marriage the bride is taken to the groom’s house in Pallaki also known as "Meena" which is very distinct to these families only.

The people of our community are well-versed with Ramayana and Mahabharata along with other puranas. They perform Puja , offering prayers to God as daily ritual before having breakfast and in some cases evening poojas are maditatory . Following Fasting during the auspicious days like Ekadasi and other festivals was common. They used to respect Brahmins and Gurus and use to give Swayampakams and other alms quiet often. The Muttangi Zamindars allocated properties to honour and provide for Sri Vaishanavas, called Vaidesikams. The other affluent also used to dedicate some property in the service of humanity and God.

Even the ceremonies related to death were strictly adhered to as per Brahminical and Vaishanavait procedures. The deceased are always cremated and the “Padi” is carried by close relatives lead by the eldest son. The Padi of Merakaveedhi telegas will be in the shape of a huge snake with its hood , the Seshapanpu as a symbol that the deceased body has reached the Sri Maha Vishnu. A special garland and thirtham, the scared water from Sri Venugopalalswamy temple is given when someone from these families are taken for their last journey. The final funeral rites with an elaborate ceremony is held on 11th or 13th day. For those who have been Chakrakintham a special ceremony of "Tollakkam" or "paramapadosthavam" will be performed by the Vaishnava Saints. The families of this community also strictly observe “Thaddinam” (annual ceremonies) for the departed soul. These families celebrate 12th anniversary of death specifically. “Maila” keeping away from the house hold during the 12 days of death is strictly followed.

Education:

The families of this community were well educated, even during the British Era. Many of them obtained their degrees from Presidency College Calcutta, Banaras Hindu University, Presidency College Madras, Law College Madras and Arts College Rajahmundry.

Matriculation, which was considered a good qualification in British India, was very common in the community. Illiteracy was unknown even among women of these families. All of them had fairly good reading and writing skills and were able to read and follow epics like the Ramayana ,Bhagavata and the Mahabharata . Few people from these families served as Civil servants even during the early 1870s. There were many lawyers, doctors in this community.

Houses:

The members of the community used to live in huge tiled houses called "Manduva Logilis". An opening in the centre of the house to the sky called Manduva which used to give light and ventilation to the house hold. Generally the houses used to be huge, spanning several yards and there used to be separate entrances for the woman folk and servants to enter and exit while the Yajamani , the patriarch of the house used to sit in the court room called Chavidi. A separated kitchen is a must for preparing food. During the festivals and Taddinams food was prepared auspiciously by the lady of the house after having the head bath and special cloths known as “Madi” where no one was allowed to touch her.

Another special feature of those houses was having an underground chamber for "Gods worship" called “Nela Kottu” or “Nela magalika”.

It is quiet common to have weapons like swords and spears as these are from warrior community.