Adivasis Begin Annual Gangajal Padayatra, Braving the Winter Chill
The sacred Gangajal will be used to perform Mahapuja to the Nagoba deity during the night of January 18. The Mahapuja marks the beginning of the Nagoba or Keslapur Jatara.
Adilabad: Members of the Adivasi Mesram clan have launched their annual padayatra on foot from Nagoba Temple, daring chilly weather conditions, with temperature dropping to 6 degrees Celsius.
The clan members will reach River Godavari at Hasthina Madugu during the early morning of January 7 and perform Gangapuja. They will collect sacred water in their Kalashas and start their return journey to Nagoba Temple.
The sacred Gangajal will be used to perform Mahapuja to the Nagoba deity during the night of January 18. The Mahapuja marks the beginning of the Nagoba or Keslapur Jatara.
The Mesram clan members will hold “Mukam” or stay at different pre-identified places during their padayatra en route to Godavari River. Villagers on the way will provide the members accommodation and food.
Nagoba Temple Peetadhipati Mesram Venkatrao said all rituals will be performed as per their traditions.
The traditional darbar will be held at the Nagoba Temple on January 22.