Mesrams initiate Nagoba Jatara at Keslar in Adilabad  

Nagoba Jatara, a five-day-long  annual religious affair of Mesrams, is the second largest congregation of tribals

Mancherial: Members of the Mesram clan ceremoniously initiated rituals of Nagoba Jatara at Keslapur village in Indervelli mandal on Tuesday.

Nagoba Jatara, a five-day-long  annual important and religious affair of Mesrams, is the second largest congregation of tribals after the biennial Sammakka Saralamma jatara at Medaram in Mulugu district.

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The Mesrams shifted the sacred container of Ganga jal from a banyan tree to a spot called Maradi, a tree-like structure on the premises of Nagoba temple as part of the affair. They placed an idol of Nagoba deity in the temple by bringing it from the village to the holy place. They would mold anthills using the holy water and worship the serpentine god in the evening.

The clan will perform Mahapuja and Satheek puja, to kick start the five-day long event at 10.30 pm. They then worship Persapen great god and Banpen puja on Thursday. Bheting, introduction of new daughter-in-laws to the deity, Mandagajili puja and Betal Puja, Praja Darbara or grievance redressal programme etc are going to be held as part of the fair.

Officials of the ITDA-Utnoor said that elaborate arrangements were made spending Rs 1 crore. She stated that basic amenities such as 50 temporary toilets, 40 water tanks, sanitation, seating, lighting system and parking lots were created for the convenience of devotees. Medical department set up a centre to handle medical emergencies.

Similarly, TGRTC is operating special buses from Adilabad, Boath and other parts of the district to Keslapur. Security measures were taken up. Around 500 policemen were deployed to prevent untoward incidents. About 100 CC cameras were installed to keep a watch on trouble makers. ITDA will distribute cloth bags to prevent pollution. Students would operate help desks.

Ethnic tribes belonging to several parts of not only Telangana, but also Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh visit the temple and perform prayers during the fair.