Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Nellore Leaders Perform Varuna Yagams Amid Severe Drought
Nellore has had very little rain recently.
The article says all 36 mandals in the district recorded no rainfall over recent weeks.
This is unusual because the area often gets heavy rain in October and November.
Leaders held Varuna Yagams, which are prayers for rain.
Minister Ponguru Narayana attended one in Mulapet.
MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy joined farmers and fishermen at another ceremony.
Narayana said a large rainfall shortage has caused drought-like conditions in several areas.
He said people need rain for farming and drinking water.
The ceremonies are also being held elsewhere in the state, following the chief minister’s directions.
Ministers and MLAs in Nellore district held Varuna Yagams after poor rainfall associated with El Niño.
All 36 mandals in the district reportedly recorded zero rainfall over recent weeks.
Minister Ponguru Narayana and his daughter Ponguru Sharini attended a yagam at a temple in Mulapet.
Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy joined farmers and fishermen for a yagam in Ramatheerdham village.
Narayana cited a 54 percent rainfall deficit and said the ceremonies were being held statewide at Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s direction.
- Who
- Minister Ponguru Narayana, MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, and other district leaders, along with farmers and fishermen.
- What
- They performed Varuna Yagams to pray for rain amid a reported rainfall deficit.
- When
- Over recent weeks; the article does not give a specific date for the ceremonies.
- Where
- Mulapet and Ramatheerdham village in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- Poor rainfall has created drought-like conditions and raised concerns about water for farming and drinking.
Concern about drought
Rainfall outlook noted by minister
Extent of the rainfall shortage
Concern about drought
Narayana said a 54 percent deficit had caused drought-like conditions across Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Nellore, and that most of the state needed widespread rain.
Rainfall outlook noted by minister
Narayana noted minor improvements in North Andhra, while saying most of the state still required widespread rain.
- District
- Nellore
- Mandals reporting zero rainfall
- 36, over recent weeks
- Reported rainfall deficit
- 54 percent, according to Minister Ponguru Narayana
- Mulapet ceremony
- Sri Krishna Dharmaraja Swamy temple
- Ramatheerdham ceremony
- Ramalingeswara Swamy temple, Vidavalur mandal
- Statewide direction
- Narayana said the yagams were being conducted statewide at Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s direction