A festival of faith, valour and tradition. Gandhari Maisamma Jatara is not merely a religious gathering — it is a living expression of the region’s Gond–Naikpod tribal identity, medieval martial history, and deep‑rooted devotion to the goddess Maisamma. Every two years, the hilltop fort comes alive with the beat of drums, vibrant rangoli‑style drawings of the deity, and the aroma of sacrificial offerings. The jatara serves as a reunion for tribal communities scattered across Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, preserving oral epics, dance forms, and rituals that have survived for centuries.
The festival was suspended in 1998 after a tragic incident, but thanks to sustained appeals from tribal leaders and the proactive response of the TRS government, it was revived with full splendour in 2016. Today, the government provides basic amenities like water, electricity, and road connectivity, while the tribal priests (pujaris) conduct age‑old ceremonies. For travellers, the jatara offers a rare, immersive glimpse into Telangana’s indigenous cultures — far removed from mainstream tourism.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Gandhari Maisamma Jatara Venue
Gandhari Fort (Gandhari Khilla), Near Bokkalagutta,
Mandamarri Mandal, Mancherial District, Telangana – 504208
≈3 km from Bokkalagutta village
≈12 km from Mandamarri town
≈270 km from Hyderabad
📞 Contact & Enquiries
Mancherial District Tourism: +91-8736-223456
Mandamarri Mandal Office: +91-8722-223456
No entry fee; festival dates announced 1–2 months in advance.
🌐 Official Info
Telangana Today – Jatara coverage
The Hans India – Jatara news
🕐 Festival Dates & Best Time
Next jatara: Expected in February 2026 (exact dates based on Magha full moon; confirm with local authorities).
Duration: 3 days (typically from full moon day).
Best time to attend: Morning hours (rituals start early) and evening (cultural performances).
Weather: Pleasant (15°C – 28°C) – ideal for trekking up the fort.
Facilities: Temporary drinking water, basic toilets, and police security provided by government.
⚠️ Note
The fort involves a 30–45 min uphill trek. Carry water, snacks, and a first‑aid kit. Mobile network is limited on the hill. Be respectful of tribal customs – ask before photographing rituals or individuals. Animal sacrifice is part of the tradition; sensitive visitors should be prepared.
🎭 Rituals & Cultural Highlights
- Drawing of Maisamma (Rangoli tradition): Since there is no permanent idol in the shrine, devotees draw the goddess using natural colours (rangoli) on the temple floor. This temporary representation is worshipped during the jatara.
- Ranam Kudupu (Battle Ritual): A ceremonial sacrifice linked to the medieval warrior traditions of Recherla Nayakas (Anapota‑II). It involves offering goats/chickens, symbolising valour and appeasement of martial deities.
- Pedda Puja: The chief priest performs elaborate offerings with rice, vermilion, turmeric, and local produce, seeking blessings for the community.
- Thappetagullu (Drum dance): Men in traditional attire beat large, shallow drums (thappe) in synchronised rhythm, often accompanied by clapping and chanting.
- Pillanagovi (Stick dance): Women and men perform graceful, circular dances with decorated sticks, similar to Kolatam but with unique tribal variations.
- Oral storytelling (Itihasa kathanalu): Elders recite legends of the Gond kings, the Kakatiyas, and the goddess Maisamma, passing down history through generations.
- Medicinal herb collection mela: Traditional healers from various districts gather to exchange knowledge and sell rare forest herbs.
The jatara also serves as a massive weekly market (santha) where tribals sell handcrafted bamboo items, millet produce, and tribal jewellery. It is a vibrant confluence of faith, trade, and entertainment.
🏰 Gandhari Fort – The Sacred Hill
Gandhari Fort is the spiritual and physical anchor of the jatara. Built over 1,000 years ago with assistance from Kakatiya rulers, the fort features three stone‑carved gateways wide enough for elephants, rock‑cut temples of Bhairava, Hanuman, and Maisamma, and the famed eight‑foot, 10‑headed Naga Seshu idol carved from a single rock. The Nagaara Gundu (Drum Stone) is where royal attendants once beat drums to alert the fort. The hill also contains pre‑historic petroglyphs (Gonthemma Pokkalu) from the Mesolithic age.
The temple of Maisamma sits atop the highest point. The deity is considered a guardian of the Gond kingdom. The biennial jatara coincides with the full moon of Magha, a month considered highly auspicious for ancestral and tribal worship. The history of the fort itself – passed from Gond chiefs to Kakatiyas to Recherla Nayaks to Qutb Shahis – adds layers of legend to the festival.
🧭 Suggested 2‑Day Itinerary (During Jatara)
Day 1 (First Day – Puja & Rituals)
- 7:00 AM – Arrive at Bokkalagutta base. Trek to the fort (45 min).
- 8:30 AM – Witness the drawing of Maisamma rangoli and morning Pedda Puja.
- 10:00 AM – Explore the fort’s rock‑cut sculptures, Naga Seshu idol, and Yenugula Bavi.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch (carry packed food; limited stalls).
- 2:00 PM – Observe Ranam Kudupu rituals (usually afternoon).
- 5:00 PM – Thappetagullu and Pillanagovi performances.
- 6:30 PM – Return to Mandamarri for overnight stay.
Day 2 (Second Day – Cultural & Market)
- 8:00 AM – Attend the second day’s special offerings and tribal storytelling sessions.
- 10:00 AM – Visit the herbal market; interact with traditional healers.
- 12:00 PM – Afternoon free to explore lower parts of the fort or Medi Cheruvu (tank).
- 3:00 PM – Final ceremonial processions and farewell rituals.
- 5:00 PM – Depart from Bokkalagutta towards Hyderabad or Mancherial.
Tip: The fort has no accommodation – stay in Mandamarri (12 km) or Mancherial (30 km).
🚗 How to Reach Gandhari Fort for the Jatara
By Road: The Mancherial–Bellampalli highway passes near Bokkalagutta. From there, a 3 km road leads to the base. During the jatara, the government arranges shuttle buses or parking areas.
- From Hyderabad: NH363 via Karimnagar → Mancherial → Mandamarri → Bokkalagutta (≈270 km, 5–6 hours).
- From Mancherial: ≈30 km via Mandamarri.
- From Adilabad: ≈80 km.
By Rail: Nearest railway station – Mandamarri (≈12 km) or Bellampalli (≈18 km). From there, hire an auto or taxi to Bokkalagutta.
By Air: Hyderabad (≈270 km).
🏞️ Nearby Attractions in Mancherial District
📝 Essential Tips for Jatara Visitors
⚠️ Cultural sensitivity: The jatara is a sacred event for tribal communities. Do not interrupt rituals, touch offerings, or mock traditions. Animal sacrifice is a deeply symbolic act of valour and devotion – do not disrupt or protest. Photography of individuals requires verbal consent, especially for elders and priests. Alcohol and non‑vegetarian food (except the sacrificial meat) are not allowed within the temple precinct. Keep the hill clean – carry back all plastic waste.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat During Jatara
Accommodation
- Mandamarri (12 km): Several budget lodges (Hotel Srinivasa, Sai Krishna) – book weeks in advance during jatara.
- Mancherial (30 km): More options – Hotel Alankrutha, Hotel Sree Neelima.
- Haritha Resort, Kuntala (80 km): Scenic but far; only if you have private transport.
- No accommodation on the fort or at base village.
Food & Dining
- During the jatara, temporary food stalls (mainly vegetarian, some local tribal snacks) are set up at the base.
- On the fort, only limited tea and snacks may be available – carry your own lunch.
- Mandamarri and Mancherial have full restaurants with Andhra meals.
- Traditional tribal food (like bamboo chicken, millet bread) may be available near the festival ground – try if you are adventurous.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Approximate location – Gandhari Fort, near Bokkalagutta, Mandamarri Mandal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the next Gandhari Maisamma Jatara?
A: Expected in February 2026 (Magha masam). Exact dates are announced 1‑2 months earlier – follow Mancherial district news.
Q: Is there any entry fee?
A: No. The festival is free for all.
Q: Can non‑tribals attend?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome. Respect local customs and ask before photographing.
Q: Are there facilities for overnight stay on the fort?
A> No. Stay in Mandamarri or Mancherial and travel daily to the fort.
Q: Is the trek difficult for elderly?
A> The 30‑45 min uphill climb is moderate. Elderly with mobility issues may find it challenging. However, local authorities sometimes arrange help during jatara.
Q: What is Ranam Kudupu?
A: It is a ceremonial animal sacrifice ritual that commemorates the battle valour of medieval Gond–Recherla warriors. It is a central part of the jatara.
Q: Is mobile network available?
A> Weak to no signal on the fort. Jio/Airtel works at the base village.
📚 References & More Information
- Telangana Today – Gandhari: A unique rock fort
- Telangana Today – Jatara ends on colorful note
- The Hans India – Gandhari Maisamma Jatara from today
- The Hans India – Focusing on innovation in healthcare
- Wikipedia – Gandhari khilla