Oggu Katha

[1] It originated among the Golla (yadav) and Kuruma (Kuruba)communities, who devoted themselves to the singing of ballads in praise of Lord Shiva (also called Mallikarjuna).

Oggus are the traditional priests of the Golla Kurumas and perform the marriage of Mallanna with Bhramaramba.

The story narrated about Lord Mallanna or Mallikarjuna Swamy using the instrument "Jaggu"(damarukam) is known as Oggu Katha.

Vallam Veeresham Yadav is the founder of AP "Oggu Pujarula Sangham" which is based in Hyderabad providing a respectable living to many families.

Inspired by his elder brother, Vallam Mahesh Yadav laid foundation to the Telangana Oggu Pujarula Sangham and is very famous for his Dolu vaidyam.

Many more oggu katha artists like Tarala Jangaiah, Avula Muthyalu, Erra Mallesh, Sanake Ballappa, Srisailam yadav, Mallesh yadav, Tarala Babu, Nagesh yadav, Sidappa, Krishna, Kunta Beeraiah kuruma, Kunta Chera kuruma, gajarla buggaiah, bolli raju,Gajarla Dhevaraju, etc..took the oggu kathalu to heights... Telangana government is focusing on Propagating the culture of Oggu Katha.

The singers (oggu katha artists) and devotees visit the pilgrimage place Komaravelli Mallanna Temple every year which is located on a hill called Indrakeeladri in Komuravelli village, located in Warangal District, of Telangana state, India.

The festive season, called as Jatara begins from Sankranti and lasts till Ugadi.

When Bhramaramba entreated the Lord to save them from the curse, he graced them by asking them to be Oggus and narrate his stories.