Where the wooden gods bathe, and the harvest begins with a prayer. The Bheemalpen festival, also known as Bheemanna Pujalu, is the opening ceremony of the Adivasi festival season in the Adilabad district of Telangana. Celebrated every year in the month of Margashira (December–January), this festival is a vibrant expression of the Gond and Kolam tribes' deep connection with nature, agriculture, and their ancestral deities[reference:2]. The central ritual involves carrying wooden idols called 'Devul' in a procession to sacred water bodies across the district for the holy bath, or 'Gangasnan'[reference:3].
This festival is not just a religious event but a cultural marker that dictates the rhythm of daily life. It is believed that only after performing the special 'Satti' puja to Bheemalpen can the Adivasis consume the new harvest of crops like 'chikkudu', 'Anapa', and redgram[reference:4]. The festival also includes the 30-day 'Jangubai' pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring faith of the Adivasi communities across state borders[reference:5].
The Legend and Significance of Bheemalpen
Bheemalpen is a revered deity among the Gond and Kolam tribes, often associated with Bheemanna, a form of the Pandava prince Bhima. The deity is considered a 'Pen' or a guardian spirit who oversees the welfare of the community and the fertility of their lands[reference:6]. The festival is a thanksgiving for the past harvest and a prayer for the prosperity of the next agricultural cycle. According to Gondi Dharma Pracharak Sedmaki Seetharam, the Bheemaldev festival holds immense importance in the festival calendar of the Adivasis, and they cannot avoid it[reference:7]. The rituals reflect the Adivasis' sacred bond with nature and the crops they cultivate and the sacredness attached to the food grains they consume[reference:8].
The festival is primarily observed by the Kolam and Gond Adivasis. It is the first festival in their season and is performed with great devotion[reference:9]. The spiritual journey involves a 3-day pilgrimage where a group of Adivasis, led by a village elder, walk to a sacred water body to perform the rituals[reference:10].
The Sacred Bath (Gangasnan) of 'Devul' (Wooden Gods)
The core of the Bheemalpen festival is the 'Gangasnan', the holy bath of the wooden deities known as 'Devul'. Each tribal group from different mandals takes their 'Devul' to a specific sacred water body:
- Adivasis of Asifabad take their Devul to Khariyar.
- Kerameri tribals go to Patteda.
- Tiryani tribals proceed to Danthanpalli ganga.
- Narnoor Adivasis bathe their deities at Gundala ganga.
- Indravelli tribals take theirs to Pulikakchar.
- Neredigonda Adivasis perform the ritual at the Kuntala waterfalls[reference:11].
The procession is a grand spectacle, with tribal men and women walking barefoot, carrying the 'Devul' on their heads, accompanied by traditional drumming and singing. Mesram Mothirao of Gangapur village, who led a group to 'Demmalrajul', said they walked for three days, performed the pujas, and then returned to their village[reference:12]. After the bath, the deities are reinstalled in their sacred place in the village[reference:13].
Satti Puja – The Ritual of the First Harvest
The Bheemalpen festival is intimately tied to the agricultural cycle. The Adivasis believe that the new harvest of crops such as 'chikkudu' (broad beans), 'Anapa', and redgram can only be consumed after performing a special puja called 'Satti' to Bheemalpen[reference:14]. This practice underscores the deep spiritual connection the tribes have with their land and food. Only after this offering, which also includes newly harvested rice, can the community start cooking and eating the fresh produce. This ritual ensures that the first and best of the harvest is dedicated to the deity, seeking blessings for continued abundance.
The Grand Pilgrimage of Jangubai
Following the Bheemalpen festival, the Adivasi festival season continues with the Jangubai pilgrimage, held from January 11 to February 8 in the dense forests near Parandholi in Kerameri mandal, on the borders of Maharashtra[reference:15]. This is a month-long event where thousands of devotees from the Gond, Kolam, and Pardhan communities gather at the ancient cave temple of Goddess Jangubai. The pilgrimage is marked by strict observances, including a 30-day deeksha (vow), abstaining from liquor, and traveling barefoot[reference:16]. The ritual involves taking the wooden deities of Jangu Bai, Bheemalpen, Persapen, and Jallidevara to the Godavari or other sacred streams for a ritual bath[reference:17].
The Pushya Masam jatara cycle traditionally begins at Jangu Bhai and concludes with the Nagoba jatara at Keslapur in Indervelli mandal, creating a continuous chain of sacred observances across the Adilabad region[reference:18].
The Cycle of Adivasi Jataras
The Bheemalpen festival is the first major event in a busy season of tribal fairs. It is followed by a series of popular Adivasi jataras that take place across the district:
- Jagadamba jatara in Lingapur, Sirpur (U).
- Kamdev jatara in Narnoor.
- Keslapur Nagoba jatara in Indravelli.
- Budumdev jatara in Shyampur, Utnoor.
- Mahadev jatara in Sirpur (U).
- Balaji jatara in Kerameri.
- Bhadi jatara in Bela mandals[reference:19].
These jataras, celebrated by various clans and communities, form a vibrant tapestry of tribal culture, attracting devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh[reference:20].
Witness the Festival – Traveler’s Guide
When to experience
The Bheemalpen festival is celebrated during the Margashira month (December–January). The exact dates vary each year. The subsequent Jangubai pilgrimage runs from January 11 to February 8. To witness the full cycle of festivals, plan a visit between mid-December and mid-February.
How to reach
The main hub is Utnoor in Adilabad district. Nearest airport: Hyderabad (approx. 290 km). Nearest railway station: Adilabad (approx. 80 km). From Adilabad, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Utnoor and other mandals. The roads to the sacred sites can be rough, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
Where to stay
Basic accommodation is available in Utnoor and Adilabad town. During the festival, temporary shelters are set up. It's advisable to carry your own bedding, water, and food supplies as facilities are very basic in the forest areas.
What to expect
Expect large, colorful processions, rhythmic drumming, and thousands of barefoot tribals carrying wooden deities. The atmosphere is charged with devotion. Nights can be cold, so carry warm clothing. Also, be prepared for dusty and muddy paths.
Photography & conduct
Always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially of the wooden 'Devul' and during the 'Gangasnan' rituals. The 'Devul' are considered highly sacred. Do not touch them. Respect the local customs, maintain silence near the water bodies, and avoid littering. Devotees observe a vow of abstinence from alcohol, and it is strongly advised to follow suit during the festival.
Explore the Adilabad – Tribal Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Bheemalpen festival?
It marks the beginning of the Adivasi festival season and is a thanksgiving for the harvest. It involves the ritual bathing of wooden deities and the 'Satti' puja, which allows the community to consume the new crop for the first time.
Who are the main participants?
The festival is primarily celebrated by the Gond and Kolam Adivasi tribes of the Adilabad district. However, members of other communities also participate in the festivities.
Why is the 'Gangasnan' (sacred bath) performed?
The 'Gangasnan' is believed to purify the wooden deities and renew their spiritual powers. It is also a way to pay homage to the rivers and water bodies that are central to the tribe's agricultural life.
What is the 'Satti' puja?
'Satti' is a special puja performed to Bheemalpen before consuming the new harvest. Only after this offering can the Adivasis cook and eat the newly harvested crops like chikkudu, anapa, and redgram.
How long does the pilgrimage last?
The pilgrimage to the sacred water bodies for the 'Gangasnan' typically lasts for three days, as mentioned by Mesram Mothirao. The subsequent Jangubai pilgrimage lasts for an entire month.
Can tourists witness these rituals?
Yes, the festivals are open to all. However, visitors are expected to be respectful, follow the local code of conduct (like removing footwear and abstaining from alcohol), and always seek permission before taking photographs, especially of the 'Devul'.
References & More Information
- Adivasis welcome season of festivals with Bheemalpen – Ground Report (2016)
- New Indian Express – Pushya Masam rituals begin with Jangu Bhai jatara
- Telangana Today – Wall posters of Jangu Bai jatara released
- Deccan Chronicle – Jangubai Utsav Held on Inter-State Border