Tribal woman drinks 2 kg sesame oil as part of age-old tradition in Adilabad

As part of an age-old Raj Gond tradition, a woman from the Thodasam clan drank two kilograms of sesame oil to formally inaugurate the annual Khamdev Jatara at Narnoor in Adilabad. The ritual is believed to bring fertility, prosperity and well-being.

Adilabad: As part of a unique and age-old tradition observed during the annual Khamdev Jatara, a woman belonging to the Thodasam clan of the Raj Gond community drank two kilograms of sesame oil at Narnoor mandal centre in Adilabad on Saturday, the full moon day of the sacred Hindu month of Pushya.

The ritual is performed to prove sanctity and is believed to improve fertility, ensure the well-being of her brothers and bring prosperity to farmers. As per tradition, a paternal sister of the Thodasam clan must consume two kilograms of cold-pressed sesame oil to formally initiate the five-day-long religious fair. Sukrubai performed the ritual this year.

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The Thodasams, an aboriginal tribal community, ceremoniously worship their deity Khamdev during the annual jatara held at the temple, which is considered an important religious and cultural event of the clan.

According to local Adivasis, members of the Thodasam clan cultivate sesame crops in their fields at least a month before the commencement of the fair. Women of the clan extract the oil by grinding the sesame grains in traditional stone mills.

Special prayers are offered at the temple before the oil-consuming ritual, which is conducted in full public view in the presence of elders and local public representatives.

Ethnic tribal communities from several parts of the district, as well as neighbouring States such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, congregate at the shrine to worship Khamdev. Devotees arrive at the holy place travelling in bullock carts and stay in temporary tents for five days.