Praja Darbar, cultural shows organised as part of Nagoba Jatara

Around 50,000 tribals belonging not only to several parts of erstwhile Adilabad district, but also Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha flocked to Keslapur

Adilabad: A Praja Darbar (grievance redressal programme) was organized as part of the seven-day-long ongoing Nagoba Jatara, an annual important religious and cultural affair of Mesrams at Keslapur village in Indervelli mandal on Friday.

Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka, Khanapur MLA Vedma Bojju, Collector Rajarshi Shah, Superintendent of Police Gaush Alam and ITDA project officer Khusbu Gupta attended the event. Seethakka vowed to develop the temple by providing basic amenities and addressing major challenges. She promised to strive hard for the growth of tribals.

Around 50,000 tribals belonging not only to several parts of erstwhile Adilabad district, but also Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha flocked to Keslapur. They visited the temple and performed special prayers. They arrived at the village using various means of transportation including trolleys, jeeps, vans and bullock-carts.

Meanwhile, members of the Mesram clan worshipped Persapen or great god, Banpen and Betal deities as part of the fair. Their women prepared Naivedyam using lentils grown in their farms. They used Ganga jal or sacred water drawn from Godavari river in Mancherial district to conduct the rituals. They indulged in community dining.

Mesram, a bard, narrated the legend of Nagoba to women from 22 phratries of the clan and new daughters-in-law by playing a traditional musical instrument kikri. Later, Pradhan of the clan handed over gifts to women as a customary tradition. Women fetched water from a holy pond to cleanse clay pots used for preparing dishes and food at the fair.

Earlier, a special cultural show was conducted featuring dance shows of various tribal communities on Thursday night, reflecting rich culture and traditions of the tribals. Parar foundation from Hyderabad rendered a performance on protection of trees and environment. The shows enthralled audiences. Tribals watched the show by staying awake.

Betal Puja and Mandagajling Puja is scheduled to be conducted on February February 3 and 4. Half a dozen Raj Gond elders jump in the air reportedly after getting possessed by the Betal god. They exhibit their fighting prowess by rotating large sticks that represent the god.