Where the serpent deity brings a community together. The Keslapur Nagoba Jatara is traditionally described as one of Telangana's largest tribal festivals, and as the second largest after the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara. The festival extends over about ten days during Pushya masam, when Keslapur becomes a major gathering place for the Mesram clan and associated Gond communities.
Pilgrims arrive from Telangana and neighbouring states to honour Nagoba, the clan deity traditionally associated with the serpent deity Sri Shek/Nagoba. The Jatara combines worship, clan gatherings, remembrance of ancestors, introduction of newly married women, community discussions and cultural traditions maintained by Mesram families and Pardhan bards.
One of its distinctive traditions is the pilgrimage to Hastinamadugu, near the Godavari, to collect sacred water. Different accounts have reported different journey distances, ranging from roughly 75 km to nearly 140 km, depending on the route and year. The sacred brass jhari used in the ritual is traditionally said to be about 1,400 years old; this age has not been independently established by archaeological dating.
*Reported figures vary by year, route and source. The approximately 1,400-year age attributed to the sacred jhari is a traditional claim and is not independently archaeologically dated.
Legend of Nagoba – The Serpent Progenitor
According to Mesram oral tradition, Nagoba is the clan's serpent deity and is identified in tradition with Sri Shek and the serpent deity Sheshnag. He is regarded as the mul-purush (progenitor) associated with the Mesram lineage.
One traditional account tells of Nagoba's appearance at Keslapur and his conflict with King Padiyor. According to the legend, reconciliation was achieved after offerings were made to the deity, including naivedyam. The story forms part of the oral tradition associated with the annual Jatara rather than independently documented political history.
Mesram elders and Pardhan bards have traditionally emphasized the Jatara's role in bringing members of the widely dispersed clan together. The festival therefore serves not only as a religious observance but also as an important occasion for maintaining kinship and community relationships.
The Sacred Walk – Fetching Godavari Water
Before the principal Nagoba rituals, a group led by the clan katoda (chief priest) and associated Pardhan representatives undertakes a traditional barefoot journey to Hastinamadugu, near the Godavari. Accounts from different years have reported different distances for the pilgrimage, so the journey is better described as a long traditional barefoot pilgrimage rather than assigning one fixed distance.
The pilgrims carry the sacred brass jhari, a vessel traditionally said to be about 1,400 years old. They collect water from the Godavari and return with it for use in the Jatara's ritual observances. The traditional pilgrimage includes walking in single file, with participants following customary rules concerning the route and conduct.
Detailed accounts describe the pilgrims taking a ritual bath in the Godavari and sharing a community meal before beginning the return journey. The sacred water is subsequently used in ceremonies associated with the Nagoba temple.
Core Rituals – Bheting, Toom, and the Darbar
Bheting (Introduction of brides): One of the most important Mesram rituals is the formal introduction of newly married women into the clan's religious tradition. Brides who have joined Mesram families during the preceding year are ceremonially presented to Nagoba. The ritual marks their acceptance within the clan's religious community and permits their participation in worship according to Mesram custom.
Toom (Remembrance of the departed): The Toom ritual commemorates Mesram clan members who died during the preceding year. The observance forms part of the Jatara's wider emphasis on ancestry, kinship and remembrance. The number of Toom ceremonies can vary from year to year.
Betal puja and Mandagajiling: These observances form part of the concluding ritual sequence of the Jatara. They are associated with the community's traditional religious and cultural practices and mark the closing stages of the festival.
The Tribal Darbar – A Legacy of Haimendorf
The tribal darbar is a distinctive public institution associated with the Nagoba Jatara. During the Jatara, government officials and administrators meet tribal representatives and hear issues concerning land, forests, welfare, administration and other community matters.
The darbar tradition is associated with Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf, the Austrian anthropologist who conducted extensive ethnographic work among the Gonds of the former Hyderabad State. Historical accounts date the formal introduction of the darbar tradition at Keslapur to 1944, during the period of Haimendorf's work in the region.
The present-day darbar continues in modified form as a public forum in which government representatives interact with tribal communities during the festival. The exact programme and timing can vary between editions of the Jatara.
Under the Sacred Banyan – Bhourmachua Camp
Pilgrims traditionally gather around the ancient banyan tree known as Bhourmachua at Keslapur. Bullock carts have historically served as temporary accommodation, allowing families to remain at the festival site for several days while participating in rituals and community activities.
The nights are traditionally associated with Nagoba Bhidi, in which Pardhan bards recount oral traditions connected with Nagoba. Detailed accounts also describe the use of the kingri, a traditional bow-string instrument, together with drums. The kingri used in the tradition has been reported as approximately 200 years old, although this age is best treated as a reported traditional attribution rather than an independently established date.
Other folk and oral performances may also form part of the wider cultural programme surrounding the Jatara, depending on the particular year.
Bullock cart pilgrimage
Despite the availability of modern transport, bullock carts remain an important traditional feature of the Nagoba Jatara. Families have historically travelled to Keslapur with their belongings and stayed near the festival grounds for several days.
Earthen pots from Sirikonda
Traditional earthen pots and lamps are associated with the Jatara. Accounts have reported approximately 120–130 pots being prepared for the festival by traditional potters associated with the Mesram community. The exact number can vary by year.
Torch bearers (Bhairava)
Sacred torches form part of the traditional processions and rituals of the Jatara. Village elders and designated participants are associated with maintaining these ritual fires during festival activities.
The Govad and Koriad
A circular open-air structure known as the govad is associated with women participating in the festival. The bheti koriad is traditionally connected with daughters-in-law and the preparations surrounding the Bheting ceremony.
Witness the Festival – Traveler’s Guide
When to go
The Jatara is held during Pushya masam, generally around January or February depending on the lunar calendar. Exact dates change annually. The festival lasts about ten days, while major rituals are concentrated within particular days of the festival period.
How to reach
By air: Hyderabad is the principal major airport for travellers arriving by air. The road distance from Hyderabad to the Adilabad region is considerably longer than 280 km, so allow sufficient travel time.
By rail: Adilabad Railway Station is the nearest practical railhead for Keslapur. The Adilabad district administration places Keslapur at approximately 32 km from Adilabad Railway Station.
By road: Keslapur is accessible from Adilabad and the surrounding tribal belt by road. During the Jatara, additional transport arrangements may be made to accommodate visitors and pilgrims.
Where to stay
Accommodation at Keslapur can be basic and demand rises sharply during the Jatara. Travellers seeking more conventional accommodation should consider staying in Adilabad and travelling to Keslapur during the festival. Check current district and tourism accommodation information before travelling.
What to expect
Expect substantial crowds, bullock carts, temporary stalls, traditional performances, community gatherings and intensive religious activity around the temple. Attendance varies considerably between editions; recent reports have described very large gatherings, so visitors should plan for crowded conditions.
Winter conditions can be cool, particularly at night, but temperatures vary from year to year. Carry suitable warm clothing and comfortable footwear.
Photography & conduct
Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly during ceremonies involving brides, mourning rituals and other sacred observances. Do not touch or interfere with ritual objects such as the jhari or sacred torches.
Visitors should follow instructions issued by temple and festival authorities regarding food, photography, access to ritual areas and other conduct. Respect the vows and religious observances of participating pilgrims.
Explore the Adilabad – Tribal Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Nagoba Jatara?
The Jatara is primarily a Mesram clan religious festival, but visitors from outside the community may attend public areas. Visitors should follow local customs and seek permission before entering restricted or sacred ritual spaces.
Why do pilgrims undertake the barefoot pilgrimage?
The barefoot journey is a traditional religious observance associated with collecting sacred Godavari water for the Nagoba rituals. Accounts describe participants following customary rules concerning the journey and its route.
What is the significance of the banyan tree (Bhourmachua)?
Bhourmachua is traditionally associated with the Jatara grounds and the gathering of pilgrims. Families have historically camped around the tree during the festival.
How are new brides introduced (Bheting)?
Bheting is the traditional ceremony through which newly married women who have joined Mesram families are formally introduced to Nagoba. The precise sequence and associated observances follow Mesram custom.
Is the festival only for Raj Gonds?
The Jatara is primarily associated with the Mesram clan of Gond communities and their Pardhan bards. People from other Gond communities and neighbouring regions may also participate or pay respects.
Can I buy traditional artifacts at the Jatara?
Temporary markets operate around the festival, where visitors may find locally made crafts, utensils, earthenware and other goods. Sacred ritual objects such as the jhari and traditional instruments used in ceremonies should be regarded as cultural/religious objects rather than ordinary souvenirs.
References & More Information
- Keslapur Nagoba Jatara – Floats the Boat (detailed account of the pilgrimage prelude)
- Wikipedia – Nagoba Jatara
- The Hindu – Nagoba Jatara: Adivasis stream into Keslapur
- Telangana Tourism – Festivals and Fairs
- Ministry of Tourism – Utsav: Nagobha Jatara
- Adilabad District Administration – Places of Interest
- Adilabad District Administration – How to Reach
- Ethnographic works by Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf, including studies of the Gonds of the former Hyderabad State.