Entering this Adilabad village by wearing footwear can attract a fine of Rs 5,000

In Thummuguda village, Adilabad, Adivasi tribals have banned outsiders from wearing footwear in the village for the month-long holy period of Pushya. Violators face a Rs 5,000 fine, respecting centuries-old customs of barefoot walking and austere rituals

Adilabad: In a tradition that looks somewhat strange to modern society, ethnic tribals set a rule restricting outsiders from entering their village wearing footwear for not just a day or two, but entire a month. Those who violate the rule are required to pay a fine of Rs 5,000.

They put up a flex poster stating the norm at their village, Thummuguda in Indervelli mandal on Monday. Their self-mandate has become a talk of the town.

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Aboriginal tribals locally known as Adivasis worship their deities in the holy month Pushya or Poos starting from Tuesday and ending on January 22. As part of their ancient tradition, the tribals observe an austere routine every day. They shun consumption of liquor, smoking, sleep on ground and walk barefoot during this sacred period.

The residents imposed a rule mandating outsiders to duly enter the village by leaving their slippers on the village outskirts. They cautioned that those who flout the norm would have to pay the fine. “Not only locals, but also outsiders must respect the traditions of our village. We have been following this distinct culture for many decades,” Kesav Rao, an elder from Thummuguda said.