Konaseema

Konaseema is a delta located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. This delta is surrounded on all sides by waters (of Godavari and the Bay of Bengal). Konaseema is very near to the,District head quarters Kakinada.

Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery and vedic scholars. The origin of the name may be from Telugu word "Kona" meaning "corner" which resembles its shape. The northern side is bounded by Gautami Godavari and southern side is bounded by Vasista Godavari. It is one of most fertile lands present in Coromandel Coast. The entire region is rich in Coconut trees, Mango groves and paddy fields.

Until the 1996 cyclone which hit the area badly, the delta is also renowned for its coconut production. Even now, Konaseema is known after its coconut production and hence goes the phrase "Konaseema Kobbaraaku" which signifies the prominence of Konaseema in coconut production. One of the most significant components of Konaseema culture is the food; a unique part of the cuisine is its reliance on abundant local produce and sea food. There are delicacies made using Plantain flowers.

The inhabitants of Konaseema adopted a highly sustainable life-style. For example, every part of a coconut tree is used: right from roots to the leaves and the same goes for Banana. This could probably be explained by the geographic isolation from the mainland. Before the construction of the bridges connecting to mainland, water transportation was the only option. Naturally, people evolved to be extremely efficient at resource usage.

One has to witness a particular religious festival during "Kaartika Maasam", where women wake up early, pray at a temple and light small lamps made of cotton dipped in cow ghee put in a plantain stem and left floating in the canals. It has to be seen and cannot be described when you see floating lights, hundreds of them, lighting up a canal. All of this activity is completely so natural and blends into the environment so perfectly without any harmful effects.

History

Konaseema Floods of 2006

Due to Heavy rains in Maharastra and Gujurat, Konaseema Islands were badly affected by floods on August 6th, 2006. Most of the low lying area's washed out in water. [http://www.newkerala.com/news4.php?action=fullnews&id=4600]

Culture

"'The culture of konaseema is typical rural culture of Andhra region. Even, the dialect of Telugu spoken here is distinct from other regions of Andhra Pradesh. . The festivals of Rathotsavam (for Lord Vishnu) and Prabhala Teertham (for Lord Shiva) are famous all through the region. Most famous of Rathotsavam festivals are of "Antarvedi teertham" and "Yanam teertham". Most famous of Prabhala Teertham are "Jaggannathota teertham" and "Chintalooru teertham".

Konaseema is known for its green coconut orchards,lushgreen paddy fields,numerous canals, Veda-pandits ,Godavari River,etc.

Its a"' blessed place. People of this area are known to be brainy,articulate and successful everywhere they go.

Colloquial terms used in Konaseema

* Revu - Coast.
* Godaari - River Godavari.
* Lanka - Island.
* Dibba/Tippa - Small piece of land formed in rivers (Small islands).
* Meta - Very small islands, when grown in size referred as Tippa/Dibba.
* Peta/Palem - Village/Town.
* Kotha - Soil erosion.
* Aatu - High tide.
* Potu - Low tide.

The major towns which constitute Konaseema are Amalapuram, Ravulapalem, Razole, Mummidivaram, and Kottapeta.

External links

"'konseema is every time facing flood damage. In August month they are very afraid because godaramma talli is very anguish and heavily flowing. In lankas people go to their ralatives houses for shelter.